Reimagining aging (outdoors)

Abstract

Provision of social care must focus on the needs of the cohort for whom it is intended, while recognising their abilities. A person centre approach that is empowering and enhances people’s abilities for self-efficacy, sufficiency and expression is vital (HSE, 2016). In this, the decade of healthy ageing, empowerment means reframing how we view ageing and provision of opportunities to engage, debate, make decisions, and to drive activities (World Health Organization, 2020).

The current exponentially and unpreceded ageing demographic is one of the world’s greatest achievements. Nevertheless, there are challenges with regard to healthy ageing, mitigation of age related diseases and where necessary the provision of ongoing care for older people. Consequently, the promotion of active ageing, independence and interventions that promote quality of life throughout the life course are integral. Engagement in physical activity (PA) has the potential to mitigate chronic disease while enhancing physical, social and mental health (The Department of Health, 2013).