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Activator Pole Programme

Age Friendly Ireland

Age Friendly Laois

Programme: Laois

WHO Theme: Respect and Social Inclusion, Social Participation

Funding Stream: Local AF Programme Funding

Resources Required: Programme was already established by Laois Sports Partnership

Cost: 1000 – 5000

Status: Ongoing

Description

Laois Sports Partnership deliver an activator pole (Nordic walking sticks) programme to older people in the county. Implementation of level 5 restrictions meant this had to go online. Participants don’t own their own poles and there was no practical way for Laois Sports Partnership to loan their poles out. So the Laois Age Friendly Programme purchased 50 pairs to be given to older people interested in the programme. The Programme was designed by Frank Fahy of Fit Walk Ireland and the poles were also supplied by Fit Walk Ireland. The 50 pairs of poles cost €2,700

Aim of Initiative

Older People looking to improve their mobility.

Who is it aimed at

Older People looking to improve their mobility.

Steps critical to success

  1. Sourcing the Funds
  2. Sourcing adequate/ safe poles
  3. Working with Laois Sports Partnership to ensure the right people got the poles

Challenges in Planning / Delivery

  1. Digital literacy and ability to tune in online (CD was made to mitigate this)
  2. Actually getting them out to people with travel restrictions in place
  3. Funds

Outcomes / Benefits

  1. Increased cardio fitness
  2. Improves mobility
  3. Social interaction/ mental health

Evaluation / Report:
https://www.facebook.com/laoislsp/posts/activator-poles-over-zoom-we-have-brought-our-activator-poles-online-a-big-thank/3569748099738801/

Contact:

Website:
https://laois.ie/