Go for Life is the national programme for sport and physical activity for older people. The aim of Go for Life is to involve more older adults in all aspects of sport and physical activity more often. Go for Life is an Age & Opportunity initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council. Each year in TAF, different physical activities are organised under the Go for Life banner.

Go for Life activities are always a great hit with the TAF members, and typically  members from the Traveller’s Training Centre in Navan, long-stay resident’s from St. Joseph’s Hospital and TAF members from the local community take part.

Under the guidance of Frank Fahy from the Go for Life programme, Last year’s programme consisted of 6 weeks of exercise and activities designed especially to meet the needs of the participants involved. TAF participants typically range in age from 50 to 90 and their abilities and mobility are as wide ranging as their age groups. Some participants are very fit and agile, some have some mobility problems while others are in wheelchairs. Last year’s programme involved 40 participants. It incorporated a fitness assessment, followed by a final assessment at the end of the 6 week programme.  

When a Go for Life programme ends, participants are encouraged to continue to integrate physical activity into their lives, individually or by participating in preparations for the Senior Games, or other TAF activities, including visits to the Tone Zone.

How it started: Go for Life has been running nationally for many years and from its early days, TAF has organised Go for Life events.

Currently: In 2007, two different 6 week programmes were organised. In Spring focusing on exercise and activity routines, and teaching members of the TAF how to lead these seesions, and in Autumn again combining a physical activity programme with routines, activities and games but also encorporating a fitness assessment, and practical demonstrations using the outdoor equipment at the Tone Zone.

Funding: National Grant Scheme for Sport and Physical Activity for Older People 

Biggest challenge: Availability of a space big enough to do the Go for Life activities

Comment: Something about the Go for Life programme… “I am fitter, happier, more enthusiastic about living, after I’ve spent an hour at Go for Life.” K. Jennings, Summerhill