Positive ageing must start in midlife - Hello GoodLife's Mayo founder

POSITIVE ageing must start in midlife, says the Mayo woman who founded Hello GoodLife Ireland.

Speaking during Positive Ageing Week, which runs from September 25 to October 2, Martina Calvey has called for more accessible ways to build strength, stay active and remain connected as we age.

Martina and her partner, Seamus Davitt, established Hello GoodLife Ireland to make exercise and social connection more accessible through a growing network of fitness, health and wellbeing hubs across the country.

The Central Statistics Office’s April 2026 population estimates show that 1.443 million people in Ireland are aged 45 to 64, representing 26.1% of the population. That is an increase of 202,800 people in this age group since 2020. A further 891,100 people are aged 65 or over.

“Positive ageing is often talked about as though it begins when we reach our late sixties or seventies, but that is a perception we need to change,” said Martina. “What we do in midlife can influence the strength, mobility and confidence we carry into later life.

“We are all ageing. For me, positive ageing is an action. It means taking practical steps throughout our lives to support our health, maintain our independence and continue doing the things that matter to us.”

The Healthy Ireland Survey 2024 found that 41% of people reported meeting the National Physical Activity Guidelines by doing at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. Among those who did not meet the guidelines, 67% said they wanted to be more active.

“The survey results tell us the desire is there, but wanting to do more and feeling able to start are different things,” Martina said. “A conventional gym works well for some people. Others may be returning to activity after illness or injury, living with reduced mobility or a long-term condition, or simply looking for a different way to exercise. We need more ways for people to begin where they are.”

Hello GoodLife Ireland’s hubs use Innerva power-assisted exercise equipment that adapts to individual users, allowing people with different fitness levels and physical abilities to exercise at their own pace. The hubs also provide a place to meet others, reflecting the connection between physical and social wellbeing.

Martina said this year’s Positive Ageing Week theme, Connecting Generations, is a reminder that staying socially connected matters throughout life.

“Healthy ageing is about how we live those years: whether we can remain active, take part in our communities, make our own choices and stay connected to other people. People may initially come through the door for exercise, but the conversations, friendships and sense of belonging can become just as important a reason to return. Positive Ageing Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate older people. It should also prompt every generation to think about ageing differently. The earlier we take action, the better, but it is never too late to begin.”

Hello GoodLife Ireland currently has hubs operating across Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon, and an upcoming opening at the Lady Gregory Hotel in Gort, Co. Galway, this month.

Follow Hello GoodLife Ireland on Instagram at @HelloGoodlifeIreland.