More opportunities for people to ‘Actively Age Well’

Research shows that older people can halve their risk of hip fracture through regular physical activity but 50% of people in Northern Ireland aged between 65 and 74 still take little or no exercise.

Regular physical activity can also help older people to reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. Today Age Concern Northern Ireland and the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland launched a new phase of ‘Actively Ageing Well’, an initiative that helps create opportunities for older people to get involved in physical activity.

Now in its second year, Actively Ageing Well works with community and older people’s groups to support and develop safe, sustainable, fun ways to get active. Speaking at the launch today, Claire Keatinge, Director of Community Development and Health at Age Concern, said:
“Actively Ageing Well has already enhanced older people’s lives in Northern Ireland and we are delighted to be marking the start of another programme for 2003. People who joined in last year not only enjoyed health benefits but also increased their confidence and found it gave them a new social outlook. Taking part in Actively Ageing Well is a chance for people to meet up with friends old and new and improve their health and wellbeing at the same time.”

Actively Ageing Well has been developed through Age Concern and the Health Promotion Agency. The project also works in partnership with a number of statutory organisations and is funded by lottery money awarded through the New Opportunities Fund Healthy Living Centre Initiative.

Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the Health Promotion Agency, explained that it is important to take part in regular physical activity as we get older:
“It is never too late to get involved in physical activity and there are many proven health benefits. Physical activity is widely recommended as being good for older people – regardless of age or health status. Actively Ageing Well provides opportunities for older people to gently increase their physical activity through safe, well-run programmes in their local community.”

Actively Ageing Well works across Northern Ireland to promote and develop safe physical activity programmes for people who are aged 50 and over. Activities vary in each area but programmes include chair-based exercises, walking groups, swimming, bowling and dancing.

Alice Green, from Craigavon, tried out the scheme last year and said:
“When I took part in Actively Ageing Well programmes last year I met new friends, learnt how to do new things and had lots of fun. Getting involved gave me a new lease of life and over time I could feel the health benefits. My advice to other people is to find out where Actively Ageing Well is happening near you and get down there!”

If you would like to get involved with the Actively Ageing Well network or find out where your nearest programme is taking place then please telephone Age Concern on 028 9024 5729.

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Notes to editors:

1. Actively Ageing Well is being delivered by Age Concern Northern Ireland to 60 community and older people's groups throughout Northern Ireland.

For further information:

Contact Sinead Curran or Margaret McCrory at the Health Promotion Agency on 028 9031 1611.