InBrief Getting older, staying active: Promoting physical activity to older adults

Abstract

New research by the Institute of Public Health has found that healthcare professionals want more tailored training and support to help promote and improve physical activity levels in older adults.

It is well-established that regular physical activity has many health benefits for older adults, from improving quality of life to preventing ill health.

National guidelines on physical activity in Ireland recommend, on a weekly basis, 150 minutes of moderate activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or an equivalent combination of both for older adults (65+ years).

However, data shows that less than half of older adults in Ireland and Northern Ireland were getting enough physical activity before the Covid-19 pandemic took hold, with more recent evidence pointing to falling physical activity levels during the pandemic.