Feeling fitter and having fun.

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Health messages are highlighting the need to take control of our health and to become more active – and older people across Northern Ireland are doing exactly that.

Over 60 community and older people’s groups from across Northern Ireland have been taking part in Actively Ageing Well and learning a range of new skills and activities. These are as diverse as spinning, salsa dancing, ballroom dancing, walking, boccia, aerobics and swimming.

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Sometimes people don’t realise what opportunities exist and negative attitudes to ageing can make it more difficult to become involved in getting active. Age Concern Northern Ireland in partnership with the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland are hoping to challenge this through the launch of the ‘Actively Ageing Well’ photographic exhibition at the Waterfront Hall.

Pictures

Click here to see some photographs from the Actively Ageing Well exhibition at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast.

Anne O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Age Concern Northern Ireland said:

There is a growing awareness of the need to increase physical activity and the health benefits this brings, the good news is that these benefits can be felt regardless of age. This exhibition celebrates healthy ageing through increased physical activity, greater social support and involvement of older people. It challenges negative stereotypical perceptions of ageing and demonstrates the work of Age Concern Northern Ireland in leading the way in this field.

The photographs in the ‘Actively Ageing Well’ exhibition were taken at various events across Northern Ireland by professional photographer Derek Speirs. The exhibition offers positive, inclusive and challenging images of older people engaged in physical activity and will run until 20 October 2005. You should also see posters featuring images from the exhibition at Translink stations/depots, leisure centres, community and older people’s groups as well as at organisations associated with health, sport and community work.

Actively Ageing Well was developed through a partnership with the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland and funding from the Big Lottery Fund as enabled these activities to take place. Partnerships and additional support from local Health and Social Services Trusts and Councils have also contributed to the overall success of the work.

Linda Barclay, Director of Programme Development at the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland said:

Physical activity is important at every age and taking up exercise even relatively late in life still has considerable health benefits. Research shows that physical activity can reduce the risk of diabetes, colon cancer, hypertension and obesity. It also promotes psychological wellbeing, builds and maintains healthy bones, muscles and joints. With almost two thirds of those aged 75 and over and more than 4 in 10, 65-74 year olds in Northern Ireland living a sedentary lifestyle, programmes like Actively Ageing Well are vital in promoting exercise to older people and enabling them to get the most out of life.

Professor Breidge Gadd from the Big Lottery Fund said:

It is vital that National Lottery funding promotes inclusion and that everybody in the community has the opportunity to improve their health. I am particularly delighted that the Big Lottery Fund is supporting a project, which aims to promote physical activity among older people in their own communities. I have no doubt that this scheme will continue for years to come.

For further information about Actively Ageing Well or any of our other community development and health initiatives please contact Age Concern Northern Ireland on:Icon of a telephone 028 9024 5729.


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