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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.
END
Notes
to editors:
- 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.
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