 | Brief SummaryThis report takes a longer-term perspective on Irish Sport and in particular how participation in sport and exercise in Ireland has changed over recent decades and how it varies across the life course, using data from more than 3,000 Irish adults surveyed in 2003. It found that the number of people engaged in exercise activities has increased dramatically, particularly in the last twenty years. Playing sport improves people's health, but having played sport in the past means people are more likely to enjoy good current health too. The research also found that many people drop out from team sports as teenagers and young adults, especially girls while individual sports are played much more into adulthood. The report also highlights the gap in different socio-economic groups with people in higher groups much more likely to participate throughout the life course. Download this publication |