Physical Activity
Healthy Ireland commits to the development of a plan to promote increased physical activity levels.
This National Physical Activity Plan aims to provide a strong focus for modifying unhealthy life habits
and promoting awareness of the benefits of physical activity not just to health and wellbeing, but in a
wider socio-economic context. A working group, co-chaired by the Department of Health and the
Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, was established to develop the National Physical Activity
Plan. The group includes representatives of a range of stakeholders with an interest and an expertise
in physical activity.
There is significant evidence that physical activity promotes wellbeing, physical and mental health,
prevents disease, improves quality of life and has economic, social and cultural benefits. An increase
in sedentary behaviour during occupational and domestic activities has seen levels of physical
inactivity rise. It is of concern therefore, that a very large number of Irish people do not meet the
recommended levels of physical activity.
What is physical activity?
Physical activity is a broad term which covers all movement, not just exercise, which is a planned,
structured, repetitive, and aims to improve or maintain one or more components of physical fitness.
This means that virtually all types of physical activity count, including walking or cycling, dance,
traditional games and pastimes, gardening and housework, as well as sport or deliberate exercise.
All physical activity counts and more is better. By including it in every part of your daily life, whether at
home, at school, at work or at play, physical activity can help you to live longer and have a better
quality of life.
It is also one of the 5-a-day for wellbeing and mental health. Exercise releases endorphins in our
brains that make us feel good. Regular exercise is also linked to better sleep which, in turn, is
important for helping us to maintain good mental health.
How much is needed?
The National Guidelines on Physical Activity for Ireland (DoH, 2009) adopted the World Health
Organisation’s (WHO) global recommendations on physical activity for health. These Guidelines say
Children and young
All children and young people should be active, at a moderate to vigorous
people (aged 2 –18)
level, for at least 60 minutes every day.
Include muscle-strengthening, flexibility and bone-strengthening exercises 3
times a week.
Adults (aged 18–64)
At least 30 minutes a day of moderate activity on 5 days a week (or 150
minutes a week).
Older people (aged
At least 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity activity on five days a
65 +)
week, or 150 minutes a week. Focus on aerobic activity, musclestrengthening and balance.
Adults
with
disabilities
Be as active as your ability allows. Aim to meet adult guidelines of at least
30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on 5 days a week.
Why is it important?
Benefits of physical activity
Regular physical activity, even of moderate intensity, such as walking, cycling, or doing sports – has
significant benefits for health. Regular and adequate levels of physical activity improves muscular and
cardiorespiratory fitness; improves bone and functional health; reduces the risk of hypertension,
coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer and depression; reduces the risk
of falls as well as hip or vertebral fractures; and is fundamental to energy balance and weight control.
Being active helps also has a positive effect your overall wellbeing and mental health.
Risks of physical inactivity
Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality and is responsible for 6% of all
deaths. Physical inactivity is on the rise in many countries, adding to the burden of non-communicable
diseases (such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease or diabetes) and affecting
general health worldwide. People who are insufficiently active have a 20% to 30% increased risk of
death compared to people who engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity
on most days of the week.
Physical inactivity is the main cause for approximately:
-
21–25% of breast and colon cancers
-
27% of diabetes
-
30% of ischaemic heart disease.
The National Physical Activity Plan will focus on operational issues to encourage greater participation
in, and greater recognition of the importance of, physical activity. It will draw together and support
organisations already involved in the promoting of physical activity.
The Plan will be published later this year.