New community hubs, face to face courses and a free online programme will help more older people stay active, connected and independent.
Live Longer Better Devon is expanding into more communities from January 2027, offering older people across the county more opportunities to improve their health, wellbeing and independence through a combination of face to face support and a new free online programme.
Led by Active Devon with Devon County Council Public Health, NHS Devon and local partners, Live Longer Better helps people make practical changes that support healthy ageing.
It aims to increase healthy life expectancy, reduce inequalities in healthy ageing and help people remain healthier and more independent for longer.
Through structured courses, activity tasters, information sessions and connections to local opportunities, the programme empowers people to stay active, build confidence and maintain their independence for longer.
From January 2027, new community hubs will launch in Exmouth, Teignmouth, Barnstaple, Holsworthy, Great Torrington, Ilfracombe and Tiverton.
Delivery will also continue in Newton Abbot, Braunton and Bideford from autumn 2026, building on the success of existing pilot programmes.
The expansion comes at a time when Devon’s population aged 65 and over is expected to grow by 63,000 by 2040.
People can access the Live Longer Better programme through healthcare professionals, social prescribers, community connectors and partner organisations.
Referrals will help ensure the programme reaches people who could benefit most, including those facing barriers to being active, connected or independent.
During the course, participants try suitable activities and are introduced to nearby groups, services, peer support and volunteering opportunities, helping them continue their healthy ageing journey beyond the programme.
The face to face offer will include a structured course, interactive learning, activity tasters and introductions to relevant community opportunities.
The free online programme will be available through referral to Devon residents who’d like to take part from home, and will provide flexible access to expert advice, practical tools and supported learning.
Together, the two routes will extend access across the county while helping people connect with groups and services in their own communities.
Tom Mack, Later Life Lead at Active Devon, said:
“We are delighted to be part of this expanded programme which represents an exciting next step for Live Longer Better in Devon.
“We’ve already seen the positive impact the programme has had in communities across Torbay, South Devon and Northern Devon, helping older people become more active, more connected and more confident in managing their own health and wellbeing.”
Rachel Wigglesworth, Deputy Director of Public Health at Devon County Council said:
“We know that staying active, connected and engaged can have a profound impact on people’s health and quality of life as they age.
“Live Longer Better empowers people with the knowledge, confidence and support to make positive changes that can help them remain independent and healthy for longer.
“The strength of this programme lies in the way organisations are working together. By bringing together local communities, health services and voluntary sector partners, we’re creating a joined up approach that will help more people across Devon to live longer, healthier and happier lives.”
Braunton Pilot Shows Positive Impact
The expansion follows encouraging results from a pilot programme delivered in Braunton, where ten older people living with a long term health condition took part in a six week course focused on healthy ageing.
Participants took part in discussions around topics including physical activity, nutrition, sleep, social connection and resilience, alongside practical taster sessions such as strength and mobility classes, chair yoga, walking groups and volunteering opportunities.
One participant said:
“Completing the Live Longer Better course, I felt very motivated to move forward positively and firstly start looking after my own health and wellbeing a bit more.”
The Braunton programme demonstrated how combining practical support, social connection and local opportunities can help people make lasting changes to their health and wellbeing, providing a model that will now be expanded across Devon.
The programme supports Devon County Council’s Ageing Well Strategy, the development of Age Friendly Communities, NHS Devon’s work on falls and frailty, and Sport England’s healthy ageing priorities.