Irish people are living longer – that’s a fact. In 2014, total life expectancy was 81.4 years. By 2023, that had risen to 82.9 years, which puts Ireland above the EU average.
In June 2026 Seán Moynihan, chief executive of Alone, an organisation that supports older people, told the Oireachtas Committee on Health that the number of people in Ireland over 65 years of age will exceed 1m by 2030.
So, yes, the statistics show we’re living longer – we now need to focus on living better. On a basic level, that includes doing everything to maximise our health now so we can stay fit, mobile and independent for as long as possible.
Viewed through this lens, lifting weights and getting those steps in on regular walks isn’t simply exercise; they are the tools that will enable us to walk up the stairs, carry groceries and run around with our grandchildren in our later years. Maintaining good health may also help you recover more quickly from illness or falls as you get older too.
Research from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin shows one in eight older people in Ireland requires medical attention for a fall each year. This highlights the benefits of a healthier older population – for individuals and for Irish society.
As various stakeholders discuss the best paths forward on a policy or national level, local communities are simply getting on with things. They are making it possible, even easy, for people to take control of their health and wellbeing, whether they’re 50 or 90 years of age.
Health ageing
One such enterprise is Hello GoodLife. Founded by Martina Calvey and her partner Seamus Davitt, it’s a growing network of membership-based fitness and wellbeing hubs that take a holistic approach to wellness. The idea was inspired by Martina’s own health issues, which included being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 22 and told that she would likely be confined to a wheelchair. Determined to change that prognosis, her journey to improve her health ultimately led her to a range of power-assisted exercise machines in the UK.
Used internationally in healthy ageing, rehabilitation and wellbeing settings, there was nothing like them in Ireland. Martina knew the need was there and she had experienced the results for herself. Power-assisted exercise had supported her recovery following a flare up of her arthritis and a battle with breast cancer.
Having grown up around her family’s businesses, and with a master’s in rural planning and development to her name, she was well placed to develop what has become Hello GoodLife.
The hubs put wellness, connection and community at the forefront, along with the opportunity to exercise, whatever age you might be. “We’re helping people say hello to a good life,” says Martina. “Everything about the hub has been designed to support a longer, healthier and more active life. People come for the exercise and stay for the connection.”
The game changer is that power-assisted circuit, she says. The 12-machine circuit provides members with a full body workout in 40 minutes and, while anyone can use it, it’s designed with mature and older adults in mind. “It kicks in and supports you at whatever level you need to get started on your fitness journey today. You don’t have to wait to get fitter, stronger, more flexible or more mobile to use the equipment. It makes it suitable for people in the community that are perhaps left behind in terms of regular exercise.
“You can use the machines to boost your confidence and independence as well as your strength, flexibility, mobility, and also your balance, which is great at helping to prevent falls. The exercises are enjoyable and people can go at their own pace.
There’s no pressure or competition, Martina explains. Plus, there is always the opportunity to make new friends. The whole Hello GoodLife concept is designed around social connection and nine of the machines are even designed to be upright, so people can chat away as they work out.
“To access the full benefits of Hello GoodLife hubs, people join as members and choose the membership option that suits them,” she says. It can work as a commercial business or as a community partnership.
Future proofing
With more of us destined to live long into old age, prioritising health well before issues start to occur is something we all need to keep in mind. “I’m a perfect example of it,” says Martina. “You only start thinking about your health when you get sick and you’re in the health system. We’re missing the trick, where the gap is. It’s about trying to be healthier earlier so you’re healthier for longer.”
In truth, most of us know what we need to do – the regular strength training to maintain strong muscles and bones, the consistent cardiovascular exercise for heart health. However, it can be hard to see a way to build that into your own life, especially if you’re older.
You can use the machines to boost your confidence and independence as well as your strength, flexibility, mobility, and also your balance, which is great at helping to prevent falls
The classic gym set-up might be intimidating and for those in a rural community, the options might be limited. Something like Hello GoodLife meets that need, not just giving members the machines and support to exercise but a sense of community and connection which, we also know, is vital for wellbeing at any age.
There are Hello GoodLife hubs in Co Mayo, Co Roscommon and Co Sligo, a fifth one is due to open soon and there are plans for more into 2027.
“I’m not short of people who will join the hubs,” says Martina. “What we really need are providers. We need people to understand why this is a sign of the times. The population is changing, people are living longer and they want to invest in their own health and wellbeing.
“Putting in something that pulls people together and puts a heart into their community, this is how we revitalise rural Ireland. It’s also how we help people to enjoy their life for longer, and how we help them to have a good life, regardless of age or fitness level.”
Annie May Gormanly, (94)
Someone who understands this impact very well is Annie May Gormanly. A youthful 94, she has been a regular attendee at her local hub in Bunninadden, a village in south Sligo, for the last year. Now a keen advocate for the health hub, she needed some persuading at first. “My son asked me to go, and I was very reluctant,” says Annie May. “But my granddaughter brought me along and we went on the machines and I enjoyed it. It was great.”
Born and reared in Bunninadden village, she has been active all her life, farming, rearing six children, growing vegetables, and being a part of the parish community care committee. “I had a gym round the house, doing the garden and growing vegetables,” she says. “Well, I don’t like the weeding, but it’s exercise and you’re out in the fresh air.”
Annie May goes to her local hub twice a week – three times, if she can manage it. As she is the oldest member, she also enjoys something of a celebrity status. “Everybody knows who I am,” she laughs.
My granddaughter brought me along and we went on the machines and I enjoyed it. It was great
She can see and feel big benefits from her time attending the hub. “Exercise is so important as it keeps you limber and active,” she says. “I can get on and off the machines no problem. Or I can get up out of a chair at home but, luckily enough, I don’t have arthritis. There are other people who have a lot more issues than I have. They have had strokes or conditions like multiple sclerosis and some people come in on crutches and the staff help them. The staff are wonderful.”
While the fitness aspect is very beneficial, Annie May also points out that the social connection is just as important. “It’s great for the mind. Some people are living alone and they’re isolated and it’s somewhere to go where you can meet people.
“One woman didn’t want to go at first, but she goes two or three times a day now for the company. You might have to queue up while you’re waiting to get on the machines, and you can have a chat while you’re waiting. Or if you didn’t feel like doing the machines, you could just go and have a chat with people.”
The hub has given Annie May something to look forward to every week, she says. “I’ve made great friends, and we would go out for a meal now and again. It’s given me a new life, and I’d recommend it big time to anyone.”
See hellogoodlife.ie
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