Sport activities for older people
Go for Life programme
Go for Life is the national programme for sport and physical activity for older people (aged over 50 years). The programme aims to encourage older people in all aspects of sport and physical activity. It is run by Age & Opportunity in partnership with the Health Promotion and Improvement Offices of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Local Sports Partnerships.
This page gives an overview of the Go for Life programme and the National Grant Scheme.
Physical Activity Leaders (PAL)
The PAL programme aims to promote greater participation by independent older people in physical activity and recreational sports. Go for Life has trained over 1000 volunteers who act as Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) for older people. PALs tend to be members of community groups, such as active retirement associations or day centre workers.
Go for Life Games
The Go for Life Games promote greater participation in recreational sports for older people. The games are supported by Local Sports Partnerships and the HSE. The sport can be played in singles, pairs, and teams to encourage participation and fun. The games usually take place over one day in June.
Go for Life - FitLine
Go for Life FitLine is a telephone-based service that encourages you to get more active. You can speak with a Go for Life mentor on Freephone 1800 303 545.
CarePALs Workshops
The Physical Activity Awareness Programme aims to increase older people’s awareness of the benefits of an active lifestyle and the wide range of opportunities for involvement in active living and recreational sports. Further information is available from Age and Opportunity.
The National Grant Scheme
The National Grant Scheme for Sport and Physical Activity for Older People is a government initiative aimed at encouraging older members of the community to participate in sports and physical activity.
The scheme is aimed at:
- Helping clubs and organisations to enhance existing opportunities for their members in recreational sports and activities.
- Helping clubs and organisations to progress new initiatives geared at involving older people in recreational sports and activities.
Applications for funding under the National Grant Scheme are usually invited from local clubs and organisations wishing to implement initiatives through advertisements in the press and media.
Further information
Sport Ireland and the Local Sports Partnerships have a range of initiatives for all ages and abilities to help keep you active and well. They have a home exercise plan that you can follow.
Find out about your nearest walking trail on our page on walking and rambling.
There are general tips on how to keep active on gov.ie. Visit HealthyIreland for health and wellness information. Social Connections has information and advice on building and keeping social connections.