Over half of Irish people over the age of 50 are not exercising enough, with almost one in five only exercising once a month or less, a new study has found.

Adults are recommended to undertake moderate physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week, which is equivalent to 30 minutes per day, five days a week. However, the study found that 59% of those over the age of 50 are not achieving this, with 18% only exercising once a month or less.

The study involved 500 people and was carried out on behalf of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP). It revealed that adults over the age of 50 are spending an average of seven hours per day sitting, with almost four of these hours from 4pm onwards each day.

An analysis of regions showed that those living in Dublin spend longer sitting (7.5 hours per day) compared with the rest of Leinster, and Connacht and Ulster (6.6 hours per day).

Overall, people in Munster were found to be exercising the most, with 44% of those over the age of 50 reaching the recommended amount and 30% exercising every day. Those in Connacht and Ulster were found to be exercising the least, with just 37% reaching the recommended amount.

A common moderate activity is brisk walking, however one in eight people over the age of 50 admitted to going for walks less than once a week if at all. When asked why they did not go for walks more than once a week, the most common reason was a dislike of walking. This was followed by health issues, such as knee problems.

Overall, the most common reason given by people over the age of 50 for not exercising regularly was injuries or poor health. Among these people, arthritis, back problems, poor mobility and knee problems were common health ailments.

However, despite the low levels of exercise, there was high awareness of the recommended amount. In other words, people knew they should be exercising more.

According to ISCP president, Jill Long, the society wants to show people that as well as exercise, they can incorporate more activity and general movement into their lives by, for example, gardening, hoovering, cleaning and standing more.

"It's all about more quality of life because we are living longer and as people head into their 50s and 60s, they could be reducing hospital stays and doctor visits, and living high-quality independent lives if only they would move a bit more," she commented.

Sedentary behaviour is already known to increase the risk of a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.

Meanwhile, the study also found that almost 40% of people over the age of 50 have had a fall while on their own, with females more likely to have fallen than men (44% versus 34%). Those who walk every day were less likely to have fallen than those who walk less than once a week. (35% versus 49%).

The study also found that almost 60% of those who said they do not exercise as a result of injuries or health issues have never considered going to a physiotherapist for advice.

The study was carried out by Empathy Research in August and September to coincide with World Physiotherapy Day (September 8).