Age Friendly Ireland calls on older people of Kilkenny to help shape their communities

Age Friendly Ireland’s theme for 2023 is Fáilte ar ais - Welcome back. This theme recognises the reality of older people’s post-covid world, as many have found it challenging to return to the social activities that they had previously loved.

Through consultation with older people, Age Friendly Ireland has found that people were struggling to 'get back out there and reconnect', particularly when it comes to taking back up the physical activities they once enjoyed.

Commenting on the importance of movement and keeping active, Donnchadh Walsh, Chartered Physiotherapist and former Kerry Footballer, said: “It is widely accepted that regular physical activity helps to improve physical and mental function as well as reversing some effects of chronic disease.

"The WHO recommendations of 150mins of physical activity per week is essential to keep older people mobile and independent, but unfortunately only 33% of older adults in Ireland meet these recommendations (Tilda report). Physical activity along with resistance training increase muscle mass and strength which can increase bone density and reduce falls risks (Irish Medical Journal).

"For many older people, having a fall triggers a chain of events where they go to hospital, then possibly convalesce, and find they are unable to move back home or live independently again. Falls are extremely damaging to the older person's lifestyle. But a lot of falls are preventable with adequate futureproofing.”

Age Friendly Ambassador Francis Brennan calls on older people to keep active and keep engaged in their communities.  During Covid-19 Ireland saw an increase in sedentary behaviour amongst older adults. Greater decreases in mental health were seen among those who reported negative impact changes in their physical and sedentary activities (Tilda).

Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of the Age Friendly Ireland shared service said: “Through our 31 Older Peoples Councils across Ireland we learned about the value of human interaction, the importance of family and social connections, the contribution of our communities, the impact of volunteering, how assistive technologies can compliment our lives in a meaningful and positive way and much more ”