11.7.4.1 Evidence suggests that the extent to which people invest and participate in cultural and sporting activities, influences their sense of well-being and belonging, and a community’s coherence and distinctiveness (Bunting et al,
2008; EPPI, July 2010). Data from the national surveys (such as Active People, Taking Part and Heritage Counts), as summarised above, indicate a fairly static position for participation by South West residents. However, there are significant differences of rates between local authority areas, between socio-economic groups, and accessibility to facilities for those living in urban or rural locations. According to CASE analysis of community survey data, found 77% of respondents in the South West felt strongly that they belonged to their neighbourhood. Approximately 13% thought that their local area had improved in the past 2 years (compared to national average of 15%).
11.7.4.2 Research commissioned by Culture South West (Hennessy and Giarchi, 2006) demonstrated the importance of cultural activity to the lives of older people, and the contribution, in turn, that older people make to a vibrant and diverse community and way of life. Cultural activities, such as hobbies, sports, religion and volunteering, were shown to promote health and well-being in later life, and to generate social capital. The report articulates the impact of demographic ageing on the development of age-specific cultural products and services. With an on-going and significant trend in the South West towards an ageing population, and national concern with growing levels of dementia in old people, such evidence supports the case for better understanding of people’s demand for and response to cultural and sport services. With them highest proportion of people of state pensionable age living in the region of all English regions (over 22% in 2008, ONS, 2010), new ways of thinking about old age, retirement and public services are unavoidable (Bedell and Young, April 2009).
