Inventing our future Collective action for a sustainable economy

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5.10 In response there is a need to ensure that new and existing communities are designed to be healthy;
to build community cohesion and support the development of social capital, particularly for people
experiencing disadvantage; and to take steps to ensure that all people within the Region are genuinely
in a position to ‘Choose Health’.
Theme B: Health at Key Life Stages
5.11 People of different ages within the East of England are facing quite different issues with regard
to their health and well-being. These need to be understood and addressed if the health of the
population is to be improved and the extent of health inequalities reduced:
• First, it is vital that we address the issues facing children and young people. The issues relating
to young children and their families are very important while the transition into adulthood is
a second key factor in terms of long-term health outcomes. The Region must support all its
children and young people – and their families/carers – better
• Second, much can be done to improve the health of people of working age. For those in
employment, work is a big part of life and depending on the nature and experience of work,
it can contribute either positively or negatively to health. For those who are economically inactive,
there is also a wide range of health issues. Sometimes poor health excludes people from work
and this can be a particular source of isolation and vulnerability
• Third, given the Region’s changing demography, it is vital to recognise the issues pertaining to older
people. The concept of ‘active ageing’ needs to be embraced fully, encouraging full participation
and both recognising and supporting the role that older people can and do play in communities
throughout the East of England.
Theme C: Health in a Connected Region
5.12 The third major Theme that defines Healthy Futures is concerned with the position of the East
of England globally. The East of England is intrinsically – and increasingly – inter-connected. In this
context, three major issues – all of which were identified in the Integrated Regional Strategy – will
have a significant bearing on the future health of the population and on health inequalities. All three
need to be addressed in advancing the Strategy. Hence there is a need to recognise and respond to
the practical implications of international gateways; to harness the East of England’s international
position to encourage learning, knowledge development and R&D for health; and to understand
and plan for the impacts of climate change and the more sustainable use of resources within the
Region, in terms of health and health inequalities issues.
5.13 The Vision and Themes – and the Strategic Priorities which follow – are summarised in Figure 5.2 and
described in subsequent chapters. For each Strategic Priority a number of Actions are also identified.