IRELAND’S POPULATION IS ageing rapidly. According to Ireland’s Central Statistics Office (CSO), the number of people aged over 65 increased from 569,000 in 2013 to more than 806,000 in 2023, a rise of over 40% in just a decade.

This is projected to reach approximately 1.6 million by 2051. As people live longer, the conversation around healthy ageing is becoming more important and urgent. The focus can no longer be solely on lifespan, but on maintaining quality of life, remaining active, independent and staying socially connected for as long as possible.

Promoting healthy ageing through community-based exercise and social support programs is becoming an increasingly important public health priority. The question is whether we are doing enough as individuals, and whether enough support and opportunities are available within our communities.

According to the 2024 Healthy Ireland report, only about 33% of adults aged 65-74 and 18% of those aged 75 were meeting physical activity recommendations. Long periods of sedentary behaviour are strongly associated with poorer health outcomes and chronic diseases.

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We know that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, falls, frailty and cognitive decline. Yet for many older adults, the challenge is not understanding the benefits of exercise, it is finding an environment where they feel safe, supported and can sustain exercise habits. That is where community-based interventions can make a significant difference.

Movement in older age

Exwell Medical is a social enterprise that offers structured exercise programs to people all over the country. Exwell was founded by Dr Noel McCaffrey on the principle that........

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