A programme based in Co. Roscommon, ‘Fit Farmers’ has been been shortlisted for an Age Friendly Ireland Award under the active and healthy ageing category.
The concept of the group was set up in 2019 by nurse, Laura Tully to address the unique health challenges faced by farmers.
This particular award recognises initiatives that optimise opportunities for good health in later years, so that older people can continue to play an active role in community life.
The Fit Farmers six-week programme is facilitated with about 25 participants each time, during the dark autumn and winter evenings in community halls local to farmers throughout Co. Roscommon.
The programme was set up to provide “easy access” for information and fitness for farmers in the area, according to Tully.
Fit Farmers
“I was working as a community nurse and over the years I was feeling frustrated by the encounters I was having in practice. Farmers were presenting too late, and often not coming to see their GP in time.
“They were not seeking help soon enough or didn’t know what to seek help for. I felt that a lot of the problems could have been prevented if they had the right information, knowledge and support,” Tully said.
Tully said that when the programme began, it was “difficult to recruit farmers”, and that they “didn’t want to be seen to be downing tools”.
However, through word of mouth, it has grown and to date, with over 250 farmers that have completed the programme so far.
Fit Farmers involves learning about health and nutrition, along with physical exercise, focusing on joint friendly activities to provide more functional ability.
Tully said a “huge part” of the group sessions is also to socialise and to “disconnect from all of the negative sides of the job”.
The programme is fully funded by Healthy Ireland via the Roscommon County Council, and Healthy Roscommon Coordinator and delivered via Roscommon Sports Partnership.
Awards
Fit Farmers was one of five groups shortlisted for the Age Friendly Ireland award out of 87 applications received in the category.
The other initiatives shortlisted include:
- Valentine’s Vitality, ran by Age Friendly Mayo and Sláintecare Healthy Committees;
- Rosemount GAA Social Initiative;
- Creative Generations, ran by Intergenerational Learning at Atlantic Technological University, Sligo;
- Fall Prevention Classes, ran by Longford Sports Partnership, Longford Libraries, Age Friendly Longford and Sláintecare HSE.
The awards ceremony will take place next Thursday, November 7 in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, Co. Dublin.
Fingal County Council are hosting this year’s event, with eight categories in total and 30 projects shortlisted for an award on the night.