Through the Healthy and Active Living Agreement (GALA), local authorities and regions are working on prevention, health and the social fabric. The central government, local authorities and health insurers share responsibility for this. The aim is to have a healthy generation by 2040. A generation of resilient, healthy people who can grow up, live, work and reside in a healthy environment, underpinned by a strong social foundation.
Summary of the Healthy and Active Living Agreement (GALA)
The focus on physical and mental health is there right from the very start. The central aim is to promote and maintain good health for all residents, and in particular for those in vulnerable situations.
Keeping healthcare affordable
GALA also helps to keep the healthcare system affordable. This ensures that residents who need it can continue to rely on care. In the first instance, people take responsibility for leading as healthy a life as possible. Where necessary, local authorities, central government and healthcare providers offer appropriate support. This support is tailored to the needs and capabilities of the person seeking help.
The local authority is implementing the agreements set out in the GALA, working alongside other organisations in the region where necessary. In the short term, the local authority is making arrangements to continue programmes that have been positively evaluated. There is also a link with the IZA (Integrated Care Agreement). This agreement is based on regional cooperation with the aim of making healthcare in the Netherlands fit for the future.
In order to achieve GALA’s objectives, the following themes are central:
- Reducing health inequalities;
- Promoting the creation of a healthy social and physical living environment;
- Strengthening the social fabric in neighbourhoods and local communities;
- Promoting a healthy lifestyle;
- Improving residents’ mental health;
- Supporting residents in ageing well.
Various sub-objectives
The main objective of the GALA is to achieve ‘a healthy generation by 2040’. This objective is not specific enough to work towards. Seven sub-objectives have therefore been formulated:
- Reducing health inequalities
We want to reduce inequality of opportunity in terms of lifestyle and health. This will improve life expectancy among people with a low socio-economic status. It will also increase the number of years spent in good (perceived) health.
- A healthy physical environment that encourages physical activity and socialising
A healthy living environment encourages people to make healthier choices. That is why we are going to work on the physical living environment; examples include:
- access to amenities
- climate adaptation
- a space for people to meet
- healthy choices at the supermarket
- clean air
- Strengthening (the connection with) the grassroots
We focus our efforts on prevention. In doing so, we tailor our support to the lives of residents, ensuring it is suited to their needs. We also aim to strengthen the social fabric and social cohesion in towns, villages and neighbourhoods.
- A healthy lifestyle
The objectives from the National Prevention Agreement (pdf, 528 kB) play a leading role in this. Broadly speaking, these are:
- a smoke-free generation by 2040;
- reducing excess weight;
- promoting a healthy diet and weight;
- achieving physical activity targets for residents;
- a decline in alcohol consumption;
- raising awareness amongst residents about the risks of excessive alcohol consumption;
- 100 per cent compliance with the 18+ age limit for alcohol.
- Strengthening mental resilience and mental health
We remain committed to creating a society in which everyone can continue to participate. We want to help residents build their mental resilience. In doing so, we also reduce the social impact and the societal costs arising from mental health issues.
- Staying healthy as you get older
The population is ageing. It is therefore essential to help older people to age healthily – physically, mentally and socially. This will enable them to remain in good health for longer and to remain in control of their own lives for as long as possible.
- Cross-domain engagement through a regional prevention infrastructure
As health insurers, local authorities and healthcare sectors, we want to work together on prevention in our region. To this end, we are developing a regional prevention infrastructure. We are also jointly establishing a chain-based approach.
More information
Would you like to find out more about the Apeldoorn council’s plans? If so, please read the Prevention & Health Action Plan.
Would you like to find out more about GALA? Then read the full Healthy and Active Living Agreement.