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The Southern Trust have launched a new groundbreaking physical activity campaign Movement for Life. It's hoped that the campaign will inspire, support and motivate over 50’s to embrace physical activity as vital part of their daily life.
The Movement for Life Campaign is funded by the Public Health Agency. The co-produced and designed campaign is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland to reframe how we talk about physical activity, break down the barriers to physical activity, promoting lifelong movement while improving the health & wellbeing of over 50’s in the Southern Trust area. The campaign is a partnership approach supported by Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council and Mid Ulster Council.
Movement is the most powerful tool we have to help maintain independence and age well. Movement for Life isn’t about running marathons, it’s about supporting over 50’s to move in a way that suits them by incorporating movement into daily life.
The campaign responds to rising concerns about inactivity in the over 50 population, with fewer than 41% of older adults aged 65 to 74 and 10% of those aged over 75 meeting the physical activity guidelines for health. The campaign aims to break down barriers and support over 50’s to embrace movement as a way to boost mood, feel better and sleep better while staying connected and most of all having fun.
The campaign was officially launched by the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Siobhan Casey who said “This new campaign shows the power of the co-design process, allowing older people shape the right message and resources, which will ensure that what’s offered is accessible and relevant to all. I would encourage everyone to explore these activities and support, so that they can take the first steps towards a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.”
Clare Drummy, Physical activity lead, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, who led on the campaign said “physical activity is all about moving in a way that suits you. Reframing how we talk about physical activity can encourage and support movement, changing perceptions that it’s more than just exercise. It’s good for your body and mind and can help you connect with others. Movement for Life is about helping over 50’s to rediscover the power of movement, staying strong to enable them to age well. Its never too late to start, small steps can make a big difference”.
Movement for Life is about raising awareness, educating and supporting over 50’s to be active. Physical activity is key to ageing well and you can start at any age – its never too late to start!
We would want to encourage organisations, community groups and individuals to sign up as a partner to support the campaign and avail of the many resources available to support over 50’s to be active, in a way that suits them. Together we can make a real change to make moving part of daily life – Movement for Life!
