Older & Active

Getting old should not mean becoming less active. The Older and Active programme aims to motivate and empower older people, especially those who are isolated or at risk of isolation.

The Older and active older programme encourages active living, promotes basic activities such as walks, chair-based exercises, exercise classes, dance sessions and activities and signposting services where necessairy.

The benefits of being Older and Active

Reduced risk of Osteoporosis
Improved mobility and flexibility
Prevention and management of stress, depression
Feeling more energetic
Maintaining and prolonging independence
Meet new friends
Feel better about yourself

Problems affecting the elderly are only exacerbated within areas of severe social deprivation, such as the South Belfast Highway to Health target areas. Many areas were also well-known flashpoints along the interface between Protestants and Catholic communities during the conflict, which lead to segregation, isolation and fragmentation. There is not enough research to fully understand to how much more affected the elderly are within the target areas, but it can be assumed with confidence it is a significant one.

Below are links to census information on each of South Belfast Highway to Health’s target areas

Lower Ormeau (Botanic Ward SOA 5) click here
Sandy Row (Shaftsbury Ward SOA 2) click here
Donegall Pass (Shaftsbury Ward SOA 2) click here
The Markets (Shaftsbury Ward SOA 1) click here
The Village (Blackstaff Ward) click here

Useful Websites

www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland
www.ageuk.org.uk
www.netdoctor.co.uk
www.mobilityireland.co.uk