Why Staying Active is Crucial for Ireland’s Older Generation
Age Friendly Ireland have recently stated that the number of people aged 65 or over in Ireland will double by 2040. They state this to highlight how crucial local and national health services are to cater to this older demographic. Speaker from Age Friendly Ireland Hugh O’Connor states “We need to be thinking and looking . . . where out health services are located . . . our villages, towns and cities are set up.” This reiterates what Physiotherapy Treatment and practice dictates that health services and information are key to supporting the needs of the older patient.
At PhysioCare, we actively practice this notion of active rehabilitation and exercise as evidence based practice has proven time and time again how it is beneficial to the needs of the older generation. PhysioCare has five clinic locations in Dublin to treat patients from Dublin 14, Dublin 15, Dublin 18 and beyond six days a week. We run an exercise class called Fitness50 which is specifically aimed at the older patient (click here for more information) and also run Pilates classes and a Home Visit service so that one of our Chartered Physiotherapists can treat you or a loved on in the comfort of their home.
The benefits of staying fit and active are plentiful. Common ailments such as Arthritis and Back Pain can see a reduction in pain, balance can be improved to assist with falls prevention and you can work towards any particular aims or goals with consistent physical activity and exercise. As some would put it, you don’t stop exercising because you grow older; you grow older because you stop exercising.
In our Carrickmines and Blanchardstown clinics we have what are know as PhysioGym spaces. This is a large gym space with state-of-the-art equipment and medical supports on site. Here you can participate as part of a group class or book in with a PhysioCare personal trainer for a 60 minute one-to-one training session. Our patients and clients who have availed of our PhysioGym services have nothing but praise for their results and how it has helped them get and feel better:
“I had given very little thought to the wider health benefits of exercise. Since starting training with Ray, I have lost around three quarters of a stone and a couple of inches off my waistline. I have notices a considerable gain in physical stamina. My blood triglyceride levels (triglyceride is a lipid similar to cholesterol) levels were dangerously high. The regular training has reduced them to normal without medication (from 4.4 to 2.1). My weight, blood pressure and resting heart rate have all dropped. I sleep better. Most importantly of all, I feel better and have loads more energy. I now look forward to my gym sessions.”