ACTIVATOR walking with poles Project

Description

ACTIVATOR walking with poles Project
Mayo Sports Partnership invited older adults living in County Mayo to participate in a unique pilot project to introduce the benefits of ACTIVATOR walking with poles.
ACTIVATORS poles are particularly suitable for use by older adults
• – with low fitness levels.
• – with balance concerns or mobility issues.
• – with conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis.
• – recovering from hip or knee surgery.

It is an innovative inclusive walking programme suitable for all fitness levels. Once older adults participate it can be sustainably carried on by community leaders on Fit stick trials and walking trails around the county.

Aim of Initiative

• Explore the potential of Activator Pole programmes to promote an increase in activity levels in older adults.
• Evaluate benefits to health, functional fitness and physical independence
• Promote social connectedness
• Reach older Adults in 3 areas of the county
• Run a six-week programme across the county
• Encourage use of local infrastructure and a series of Fit Stick Trails in Mayo
• Promote activator walking with poles as an inclusive sustainable activity

Who is it aimed at

Older adults within County Mayo were the target group, men and women in both rural communities and urban settings. Post covid 19 social isolation, has taken it’s toll so it was imperative that this programme was accessible to harder to reach communities. Community groups such as Men’s Sheds groups, community women’s groups, a COPD group, and the Irish Wheelchair association participated.

3 Steps critical to success

1. 1. Community support and engagement of local groups. Once the initial pilot was proposed and advertised to local communities, momentum grew through increased awareness, on the ground advertising and word of mouth.
2. 2. Funding through Mayo Sports partnership
   Efforts were made to obtain funding through Sport Ireland innovation funding and secured for the project.
3. 3. Qualified tutors in each area
   Having tutors trained in the delivery of the activator poles programme was essential for introducing participants to this this new activity.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Introducing a new exercise concept to older adults post Covid 19 takes time and trust to develop.
2. Recruiting men for the programmes proved to be a challenge in the initial community settings. This was overcome by approaching Men Sheds directly.
3. Ensuring sustainability of the programmes for the long term. Securing and supporting walk leaders is a challenge.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Over 400 participants in 19 communities around the county,
2. The development of walking trails in the county and specific Fitstick trails as a result of the success of the Activator Pole programme
3. Continued sustainable participation through ongoing community support and training of new community leaders.