I help older adults rediscover the outdoors
For 14 years, I've been creating accessible hiking experiences across Ireland. Whether it's the gentle slopes of Glendalough or exploring trails near your home, there's always a path that's right for you.
From leisure management to outdoor accessibility
Back in 2010, I was managing a leisure centre in Dublin. It sounds straightforward enough — classes, swimming, the usual facility work. But something wasn't sitting right. I'd see older adults coming in for aqua aerobics and gentle gym sessions, and I'd think, "Why aren't these people outside?" They weren't unfit. They weren't unwilling. They just didn't know where to start or who could guide them.
That gap bothered me enough to make a change. I went back to university while still working — studied gerontology alongside my existing Sports Science background. Nights and weekends doing coursework at UCD while I volunteered with hiking clubs on weekends. It wasn't glamorous, but it gave me something crucial: the intersection of understanding aging, movement, and outdoor environments.
In 2012, I joined Age Action Ireland full-time. That's where things really shifted. I wasn't just managing facilities anymore — I was out on trails, watching people aged 65 and 75 and 82 discover what their bodies could do when they had the right support. I saw confidence come back. I saw independence return. I saw friendships form. That's when I realized this wasn't about fitness. It was about freedom.
The turning point came in 2017. I'd been developing what I called "accessibility audits" for Irish walking trails — detailed assessments of terrain, incline, surface conditions, rest points, accessibility features. It sounds technical, but it's really just asking: Can someone aged 70 with minor arthritis walk this safely? Where will they need to rest? What should they wear? I shared this framework with Fáilte Ireland, and suddenly, tourism boards across the country were interested. Since then, I've assessed over 50 trails and worked with tourism operators to make outdoor Ireland genuinely accessible.
Now at jlano Ltd, I'm focused on creating content that meets people where they are — whether that's choosing the right shoes, understanding your own pace, or discovering trails you didn't know existed near your home. Every article, every guide, every recommendation comes from actually being out there with people, not from assumptions about what older adults can or can't do.
Practical knowledge from real experience
My expertise spans accessible trail design, adaptive outdoor programming, and age-specific movement guidance.
Trail Accessibility
I've developed and tested assessment frameworks for Irish walking trails, evaluating everything from terrain surface to rest point placement. Not every trail needs to be flat — it needs to be honest about what it requires.
Adaptive Programming
Eight years with Age Action Ireland taught me how to design outdoor programmes that work for people with different abilities, paces, and confidence levels. The key isn't making things easier — it's making them possible.
Gerontology & Movement
My background in Sports Science combined with postgraduate study in Gerontology means I understand how bodies change with age and how movement can maintain strength, independence, and joy.
Wicklow Geography
I know Wicklow's trails intimately — Glendalough, Annamoe, the Sally Gap, Powerscourt. I can recommend the right walk for your ability, season, and what you want to see.
Health & Wellbeing
I've witnessed firsthand how outdoor activity transforms wellbeing in older adults — improving balance, boosting mental health, and restoring confidence in people who thought they were past their active years.
Community Building
I've led over 200 group hikes. That experience has taught me how to create spaces where people feel supported, encouraged, and connected — not just to nature, but to each other.
What I believe about outdoor activity and aging
Age doesn't set limits — context does
I've worked with people in their 60s who couldn't walk a flat kilometre comfortably, and people in their 80s who've tackled challenging terrain with confidence. The difference isn't age. It's whether someone's had the right preparation, guidance, and belief that they can do it. That's what I focus on.
Honesty matters more than inspiration
You won't see me writing "Age is just a number" or "You're capable of anything." That's not helpful. What's helpful is saying: This trail has a steep section that'll challenge your knees. Here's how to manage it. These shoes will support you better. This pace will let you actually enjoy the view. Reality-based guidance beats motivational platitudes every time.
Independence is the real goal
I don't want to create dependency on guided tours or specialist programmes. I want to give people the knowledge and confidence to get out on their own, to choose their own routes, to trust their own bodies. That's freedom. That's what I work toward in everything I create.
Accessibility benefits everyone
When I assess a trail for older adults, I'm thinking about people with arthritis, balance issues, cardiovascular concerns, and varying fitness levels. But guess what? Better signage helps everyone. Wider paths help families with pushchairs. Proper rest points help anyone with stamina concerns. Accessible design isn't a limitation — it's good design.
Guides and insights about hiking and outdoor activity
Articles I've written to help older adults and their families navigate trails, gear, and the confidence that comes with being outdoors.
Glendalough Lakeside Trail: A Complete Walking Guide
Everything you need to know about one of Wicklow's most accessible and beautiful trails — terrain, distance, what to see, and how to prepare.
Read the guideChoosing the Right Walking Shoes for Trail Comfort
Poor footwear is one of the biggest barriers to enjoyable hiking. Here's how to choose shoes that'll keep your feet comfortable for hours on Irish trails.
Read the guidePacing and Rest Breaks: Hiking Your Own Way
Forget keeping up with the group. This is about finding your rhythm, knowing when to push and when to rest, and enjoying every step at your pace.
Read the guideWhat to See at Glendalough: History and Natural Beauty Combined
Beyond the walking itself — what you're actually looking at. The history, geology, and natural features that make Glendalough worth the effort.
Read the guideGet in touch
Questions about trails, training programmes, or accessibility assessments? I'd like to hear from you.
Whether you're planning your first walk in years, looking for advice on a specific trail, or interested in working together on accessibility projects, reach out. I'm based in Dublin but work across Ireland, and I'm always happy to discuss how outdoor activity can fit into your life.
You can contact me through jlano Ltd or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.