Aug 7, 2015:

Older People Encouraged to Get Active in New Campaign

Active Retirement Ireland (ARI), the country’s largest community-based older people’s organisation, is encouraging older people to get active for thirty minutes a day as part of a new campaign. The organisation’s 24,500 members will be challenged to exercise while they shop, visit grandchildren and even while they watch television as part of the campaign, launched this week in Bundoran, Co. Donegal.


SURF'S UP: Eileen Farrelly of Letterkenny Active Retirement Association (centre) with Peter Kavanagh of ARI and 2FM DJ Ruth Scott

“Two thirds of older people are overweight or obese,” said Peter Kavanagh of Active Retirement Ireland, “And our increasingly sedentary lifestyle is contributing to an epidemic of poor physical health. We’re asking older people to take stock of their own health and increase their levels of physical activity by just a little each day.”

The campaign will reach out to all 570 Active Retirement Groups nationwide and will provide hints and tips on how to exercise while enjoying an active retirement. It will culminate at the Active Retirement Ireland National Bowls Competition and Activity Break in the Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran from 21-25 September.


Former Donegal Football Manager Brian McEniff puts Annette Duddy, Bluebird Care; Ruth Scott, 2FM; and members of Sligo Active Retirement through their paces. 

“If people make a simple, positive change to their lifestyles by taking the stairs, parking a little further away from the shops, or even by walking on the spot while talking on the phone or watching television, then they will feel better, enjoy a better quality of life and live longer,” said Kavanagh, “Just 150 minutes each week, or 30 minutes a day for five days, of moderate exercise is enough to help prevent future physical and mental health problems.”

Helping to launch the campaign was 2FM DJ and television presenter Ruth Scott. “As someone who cares about physical and mental health, I believe that we need to take ownership of our own wellbeing,” she said, “I’m delighted to help Active Retirement Ireland launch their campaign today, and I encourage everyone out there to try and do a little more physical exercise every day. 30 minutes a day is achievable for almost anyone, and the benefits are boundless.”

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