As we age, the temptation to slow down increases, but the importance of physical activity also increases. Remaining (or becoming) active is good for your brain, heart and lungs, strengthens your immune system, helps to lower blood pressure and reduces your chances of developing many illnesses including diabetes and osteoporosis.
Virtually any activity is good for you, from walking, swimming or gardening to more organised activities such as tennis, bowling or dancing. In conjunction with a healthy diet, just 20 minutes of physical activity a day can make all the difference to your mental and physical well being.
Dublin City Council has developed the Passport for Leisure to encourage people over fifty-five to lead more active and fulfilling lives. With your Passport for Leisure tucked in your pocket, you’ve no excuse not to take advantage of the many enjoyable activities that will get you up and moving on your path to health and vitality.
Let’s Walk and Talk!
Dublin City Council’s community initiative, ‘Let’s Walk & Talk’ is a great way for people to stay healthy, meet people and learn a little something about our Fair City. This initiative comprises weekly walks in various parts of the City, themed historical walking tours, family wildlife walks and other special events.
All walks, tours, events are free and all welcome! For further information, please log onto http://www.dublincity.ie/main-menu-services-culture-and-amenities/lets-walk-and-talk or contact Dublin City Council on (01) 2223726 (between 9-5pm) or via email at [email protected]
Go for Life
If you are interested in developing or taking part in a group physical activity you should contact Go for Life, an initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council. There are two key strands:
Active Living, aiming to get more people involved in health enhancing physical activity
Sport Participation focused on increasing participation rates in sport by older people. Leaders are trained locally through the new network of Local Sports Partnerships – leaders in turn promote participation in sport amongst older people in their communities. Go for Life also oversees a national grants scheme for any group wishing to get more involved