‘Fit Farmers’

Description

Fit Farmers is a socially inclusive, evidence-based programme of health-promoting workshops and physical activity workouts specifically designed for farmers aged 35 and older living in rural Ireland. The programme aims are:
• to improve farmer health and wellbeing in line with the Healthy Ireland Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025 as well as the National Physical Activity Plan
• to equip participants with the knowledge, guidance and support necessary to improve their overall health and wellbeing
• to increase and enhance social connectedness and create an environment which promotes social inclusion

This initiative is specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of farmers, with a strong emphasis on being age-friendly. Understanding that farmers of all ages in Ireland have a poor personal health profile and face demanding physical tasks as well as long hours, the programme was developed to support farmers in maintaining their health and well-being throughout their lifespan.

The six-week programme is delivered weekly over two hours via a series of health-promoting educational workshops and physical activity workouts.

Age-Friendly Features
• Adaptable Fitness Routines: Fit Farmers offers customised fitness plans that cater to different age groups and fitness levels. Exercises are designed to be gentle on the joints while improving strength, flexibility, and mobility, making them suitable for older farmers.
• Nutrition Guidance: age-appropriate dietary advice is provided, focusing on nutrient-rich, easy-to-prepare meals that support overall health and address specific age-related nutritional needs.
• Chronic Condition Management: Fit Farmers includes strategies for managing common age-related health issues such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, ensuring that older farmers can continue their work with less discomfort and better health.
• Mental Health Support: wellbeing resources are tailored to address the unique stressors faced by older farmers, including mindfulness practices and access to mental health professionals.
• Community and Social Engagement: regular meetings and events foster a sense of community and reduce social isolation, particularly beneficial for older farmers who may face loneliness.
By focusing on these age-friendly aspects, the Fit Farmers Programme ensures that farmers can maintain their health and vitality, allowing them to continue their valuable work in agriculture regardless of age.

Aim of Initiative

The programme aims are:
• to improve farmer health and wellbeing in line with the Healthy Ireland Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025 as well as the National Physical Activity Plan
• to equip participants with the knowledge, guidance and support necessary to improve their overall health and wellbeing
• to increase and enhance social connectedness and create an environment which promotes social inclusion

Who is it aimed at

Fit Farmers is a socially inclusive, evidence-based programme of health-promoting workshops and physical activity workouts specifically designed for farmers aged 35 and older living in rural Ireland.

3 Steps critical to success

1. The Fit Farmers Programme’s success hinges on three critical steps:

   1.The programme’s cornerstone is its ability to provide personalised and accessible health solutions at the right time and in the right place to the right people. Each participant is offered a confidential 1:1 health consultation (pre-testing and fitness assessment) on registration. By tailoring fitness routines, nutritional guidance, and mental health support to individual needs and lifestyles, the programme ensures that each farmer receives relevant and effective assistance. This customisation is crucial, as it addresses the unique challenges faced by farmers of different ages and physical conditions. Making these resources easily accessible, in-person, in remote rural locations ensures that everyone can benefit.

2. 2. Building a strong sense of community is vital for the programme’s success. By organising weekend ‘walk & talk’ events, and mid-week ‘workshops & workouts’, the programme fosters a supportive environment where farmers can share experiences, motivate each other, and learn collectively. This sense of belonging not only enhances individual commitment to health goals but also creates a network of peer support that can be invaluable in maintaining long-term well-being.
3. 3. Ongoing education and awareness are essential for empowering farmers to take control of their health. The programme continuously provides up-to-date information on various health topics, injury prevention, and the importance of regular exercise and balanced nutrition. By keeping participants informed and aware, the programme encourages proactive health management and fosters a culture of wellness within the farming community.
   Together, these three steps—personalised and accessible health solutions, community engagement and support, and continuous education and awareness—form the foundation of the Fit Farmers Programme’s success, ensuring it effectively meets the needs of farmers and promotes sustained health and well-being.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Accessibility and Reach:
   Reaching farmers in remote and rural areas poses a significant challenge. Despite offering locally provided programmes in rural community centres, limited access to transport among some farmers can hinder participation. Some areas are without any public transport or local link.
2. Engagement and Commitment:
   Maintaining consistent engagement and commitment among farmers is another challenge. The demanding nature of farming work often leaves little time and energy for additional activities, even if they are beneficial. Encouraging farmers to prioritise their health and integrate the programme’s activities into their daily routines necessitates ongoing motivation, flexible scheduling, and demonstrating the tangible benefits of participation. For this reason, the programmes are delivered in Autumn and Winter to suit farmers’ schedules which has aided engagement.
3. Resource Allocation and Funding:
   Sustaining the programme financially and logistically can be difficult. Securing sufficient funding, whether through grants, donations, or partnerships, is essential to cover the costs of expert staff, materials, and outreach efforts. Additionally, allocating resources effectively to meet the diverse needs of farmers across different regions requires careful planning and continuous assessment to ensure the programme remains impactful and scalable.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Health and Fitness Marker Improvements: Notable improvements in body weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference, lower body strength, physical activity levels and cardiovascular fitness have been achieved. All of these results combine to significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea, certain cancers and a range of other illnesses and disorders that these aging famers are at high risk of developing. There is an additional benefit of reduced risk of injury, illness and farm accidents.
2. Psychological Wellbeing: Against the backdrop of a post-pandemic Ireland, it is significant to note that the vast majority of participants report experiencing an enormous sense of positive wellbeing as a result of participating in Fit Farmers. Participants regularly comment on feeling less stressed and ‘in better form’ and welcome the programme as a social aspect of their lives. Boosted energy levels, and improved sleep, focus and concentration are reported. The support of the group has been shown to buffer against the negative effects of stress reduce depression and protect against anxiety.
3. Quality of Life: The Fit Farmers Programme significantly improves the overall quality of life for farmers by promoting physical health, mental well-being, and a supportive community, enabling them to thrive both personally and professionally. The overriding beneficial outcome of the programme has been the establishment of a group network for social support.