Abstract
A wide range of lifestyle and environmental factors impact on our health.
The effects of these can be compounded for people with learning disabilities because of the particular barriers they face, including poorer access to resources, services and information and an increased risk of social isolation. People with learning disabilities also undertake lower levels of physical activity than the general population and are more likely to be obese. Potential strategies for equipping people with learning disabilities to develop healthy behaviours and lifestyles are discussed in this chapter, including enabling the person to make decisions and exercise control over their lifestyle changes; supporters role modelling a healthy lifestyle; buddying people with learning disabilities and supporters with similar goals; extending the range of healthy choices available; focussing on those physical activities the person enjoys; and encouraging the person to set their own achievable short-term goals.
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Fletcher, J., Parker, J., Smith, J., Robinson, D. (2020). Staying Healthy. In: Heslop, P., Hebron, C. (eds) Promoting the Health and Well-Being of People with Learning Disabilities. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43488-5_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43488-5_9
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