A research programme, aimed at improving the health of people aged over 50 in the county, was launched today (Monday) by Minister of State for Health Promotion, Catherine Byrne.
University of Limerick’s Move For Life research study is encouraging people in Clare and Limerick, who are aged over 50 and who would like to be more active, to join the programme.
Minister Byrne said, “This programme not only encourages people to become more active, it also empowers them to become influencers within their own communities, something which could lead to considerable positive public health implications.
“Being active has so many benefits both for physical and mental health and we in Healthy Ireland are very happy to support University of Limerick in this project which, as our population ages, targets a very important demographic. As a hub of research and expertise in the areas of health and physical activity in the region, UL is well placed to lead this programme. I would now encourage the people of Clare and Limerick to take this opportunity and engage fully with this study, become more active and reap the rewards in their overall wellbeing,” she said.
The research team, being led by UL’s Professor Catherine Woods, brings together expertise from sport and exercise science, medicine, physiotherapy, psychology, implementation science and the community. As part of the project, the participants will be given opportunities to take part in walking, cycling or general exercise programmes for periods of up to 12 weeks. In Clare, the programmes will begin in late August in Ennis, Killaloe, Lahinch and Shannon.
“We would encourage people in the target age group to sign up on our website, www.MoveForLife.ie, attend one of our induction evenings. We will provide the groups in each area with fun physical activity programmes such as Women on Wheels, Get Ireland Walking, Men on the Move and Go for Life Games. Activities are suitable for men and women, for those who do little or no activity and we are aiming to recruit over 500 people over the duration of the stud,” Professor Woods added.
Ballyvaughan GP, Professor Liam Glynn is Move For Life Co-lead and Chair of General Practice in UL. “ As well as being good for your health and lifestyle, taking part in the programme is also a great opportunity to meet others,” he said.
UL president, Dr Des Fitzgerald, “The Move for Life project will improve the overall health and wellbeing of people now and as they grow older, and it will do so in a social, fun and practical way”.
Members of the public who would like to take part can register at www.MoveForLife.ie or attend an induction evening.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.