Regular physical activity is hugely important for older adults (65 years +). The National Guidelines for Physical Activity Report for Ireland states that this age group should be engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity (increased breathing and heart rate but still able to hold a conversation) activity for 150 minutes a week (30 minutes a day for 5 days).
There are many benefits to engaging in physical activity, such as:
- Improving your health and well-being
- Reducing the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes & cardiovascular diseases
- Strengthens bones and muscles
- Increases balance, which reduces the risk of falls
- Improve heart health
- Improve mental health
- Higher quality sleep
- Relief from aches and pains
The more physical activity you do, the more benefits you gain. If you are not able to hit 150 minutes of physical activity a week, just do as much as you possibly can – some is better than none. It’s never too late to get active.
Nowadays there are several ways of keeping fit and active and finding a way of staying active that you enjoy is becoming easier and easier. The more you enjoy it, the more likely you will keep it up. Staying active and healthy doesn’t have to be difficult.
There are also social benefits of being physically active. Why not join a club or group that offers physical activity? Having someone along with you can help make it more enjoyable and sustainable.
Roscommon Sports Partnership aims to encourage people of all ages & abilities to get involved in physical activity. RSP places huge importance on our older adult programme in order to provide a wide range of activities to enable people of all abilities to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.
Activities include Go For Life, Let’s Get Active, Stay Active, PALs, and walking with Activator Poles programmes.
You can also check out this Older Adult Exercise Plan developed by Sport Ireland to encourage Older Adults to stay active at home.
If you would like more information, please get in touch on 090 6630853 or email info@rosactive.org.