Page 3 - Active Retirement Ireland 2015_
P. 3
introduction
There are over 600 million people over the age of 60 in the
world today and with average life expectancy increasing,
experts estimate that figure to rise to 1 billion over the
next 25 years. It is all the more important therefore that we
prepare for a long and healthy older age by keeping our minds
and bodies active.
Traditionally, retirement is taken anytime from 50 years onwards - some
delight in it and others leave the workplace reluctantly. Regardless of when
it occurs, retirement brings free time that not everyone knows how to fill.
Providing a facility for retired and senior citizens to meet and congregate
regularly has become essential in modern day life. Despite the growth in
technological communication, nothing can replace physical contact for
nourishing the soul and many medical experts deem it a necessary part of
healthy living.
Thankfully, most areas of Ireland now have Active Retired groups or clubs
providing activities such as art, walking clubs, bridge, dancing and perhaps
most importantly, a social outlet, with the opportunity to make new friends.
Active Retirement Ireland currently have 575 associations nationwide
with new groups emerging regularly. All are different. Some groups
arrange activities every day of the week while others meet once a month.
Membership numbers in each group range from single digits to over 300
- all finding a way to entertain, occupy and educate themselves. Without
the support and incentive of Active Retirement Ireland, there would be a
lot more lonely and isolated older people around the country and we have
no doubt that these groups will continue to grow and thrive, bringing new
adventures and experiences to their communities.
We hope you find this first Active Retirement Ireland Handbook informative and
inspiring and we wish you all a fun and active 2015.
Kendal Mooney
Active Retirement Ireland 1
There are over 600 million people over the age of 60 in the
world today and with average life expectancy increasing,
experts estimate that figure to rise to 1 billion over the
next 25 years. It is all the more important therefore that we
prepare for a long and healthy older age by keeping our minds
and bodies active.
Traditionally, retirement is taken anytime from 50 years onwards - some
delight in it and others leave the workplace reluctantly. Regardless of when
it occurs, retirement brings free time that not everyone knows how to fill.
Providing a facility for retired and senior citizens to meet and congregate
regularly has become essential in modern day life. Despite the growth in
technological communication, nothing can replace physical contact for
nourishing the soul and many medical experts deem it a necessary part of
healthy living.
Thankfully, most areas of Ireland now have Active Retired groups or clubs
providing activities such as art, walking clubs, bridge, dancing and perhaps
most importantly, a social outlet, with the opportunity to make new friends.
Active Retirement Ireland currently have 575 associations nationwide
with new groups emerging regularly. All are different. Some groups
arrange activities every day of the week while others meet once a month.
Membership numbers in each group range from single digits to over 300
- all finding a way to entertain, occupy and educate themselves. Without
the support and incentive of Active Retirement Ireland, there would be a
lot more lonely and isolated older people around the country and we have
no doubt that these groups will continue to grow and thrive, bringing new
adventures and experiences to their communities.
We hope you find this first Active Retirement Ireland Handbook informative and
inspiring and we wish you all a fun and active 2015.
Kendal Mooney
Active Retirement Ireland 1
