Sport Ireland has launched a new campaign supporting men over 45 to be more active and increase their daily physical activity.
‘Workout What Works for You’ draws on a number of studies, including Sport Ireland’s most recent Irish Sports Monitor, which have consistently shown that males aged over 45 are amongst those least likely to be active. This is especially the case when it comes to those from disadvantaged communities.
The Irish Sport Monitor (2021) research found that 63 per cent of men over the age of 45 do not do enough recreational physical activity to meet the National Physical Activity Guidelines.
72 per cent of men over 45 do not participate in sports or physical activity on a regular basis.
“We can often categorise exercise as going to the gym, running 5km or playing five aside – but it can be much simpler than that,” said campaign ambassador, All Ireland winner and Director of Development at DCU.
“The little things you can do daily, like walking a flight of stairs, can help build up those movement minutes.”
“My advice would be to take it a step at a time. Instead of jumping in the car to pick up a pint of milk, take a walk to the shop. Make a habit of that. Movement is good for your mood too, and once you start to feel those benefits, those 10-minute walks can become 20-minute walks.”
The campaign focuses on supporting men over 45 to be more physically active by making simple changes to their everyday routines that work for them.
There are a number of tips on getting more active, at the Sport Ireland website including the appointment of your dog as your new personal trainer. It’s simple things that add up to a more healthy life.
