Cork wellness coach: ‘I felt the over-60s weren’t being catered for, I wanted to change that’

While wellness events continue to grow in popularity across Ireland, some older adults feel unintentionally left out – floor-based yoga, high-intensity workshops, and ‘one-size-fits-all’ themes often fail to suit their needs or comfort levels.

That’s according to West Cork nutritionist and wellness coach Lorna O’Regan, who felt that despite the huge number of wellness options available, the over-60s were being largely overlooked.

“Many people experience a drop in confidence as their bodies change, and a sense of fear sets in around falling or being injured or simply being afraid they won’t be able for an exercise class,” said Lorna, an older adult fitness specialist.

“On top of that, some people in this age group have lost a partner or friends, leaving them feeling isolated and unsure of where they fit in socially.”

She became aware of this last year when she launched the Feel Good Health Fest, which had a wide age range and a broad agenda.

“Afterwards, I quickly realised I wasn’t fully catering for the people who attend my weekly older-adult classes,” she said, and seeing the need for a new approach, she launched new Active Agers Wellness Days — a holistic, uplifting, and purpose-designed event series created specifically for adults over 60.

Her first event in October received an overwhelming response, prompting a second sold-out event in December.

“I followed up quickly with a second event, introducing new speakers, while the exercise and nutrition components were delivered by me. The success confirmed that this cohort wasn’t just interested — they were waiting to be included,” said Lorna.

She now plans to run the wellness days every two months due to high demand, with the next one taking place on February 8.

She described the age group she’s catering to as being “incredibly special”.

“Their enthusiasm, their desire to stay strong, social, independent and confident - it inspires me every day. But they weren’t being catered for. I wanted to change that.”

Each event is intentionally crafted to help attendees move, learn, and connect in a safe, enjoyable, and non-intimidating environment. The programme includes mobility workshops tailored for aging bodies, nutrition talks with simple, actionable guidance, food demonstrations, and expert guest speakers.

One thing Lorna has noticed in particular is that many attendees are not eating particularly well and often lack clear, practical nutrition knowledge.

“That’s why my nutrition talks and food demonstrations resonate so strongly. I keep them simple and realistic, focusing on cooking for one or two people, with an emphasis on protein, immune health and gut health. It’s about making good nutrition achievable, not overwhelming.”

The vibe is supportive and non-judgemental, with an emphasis on community, and the feedback she’s getting continues to motivate her.

“At my most recent event, two people approached me afterwards to share how they were still grieving the loss of their husbands, and how the day made them feel alive again. Those moments really underline the importance of creating spaces like this,” said Lorna.

For those that aren’t able to attend her events, her advice is straightforward: move every day.

“Even something as simple as regularly standing up from a chair - a sit-to-stand movement - helps maintain leg strength and supports long-term independence. And eat real food. Focus on simple, nourishing staples such as yoghurt, eggs, meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, lentils and beans. Small, consistent choices make a huge difference over time.”

And for those who do come along, she says “there’s a noticeable lift in energy, confidence and outlook — a real ‘pep in the step’ that often lasts well beyond the day itself.

“People leave feeling motivated to move, inspired to eat better, and with a renewed belief that age really is just a number. They come to understand that movement doesn’t have to be intimidating - it can be fun, social and empowering. They leave knowing that staying strong, mobile, and independent is possible, and that their bodies are capable of far more than they may have believed.”

The next Active Agers Wellness Day will take place on February 8 in the Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery from 10am to 3pm. Tickets are €65, including a hotel lunch and a goody bag.