By Emmet Ryan, Business Post

Hello Goodlife Ireland, a Mayo-based wellness business, is planning to expand nationwide after successfully opening four sites within its first two years of operation.

Founded in late 2023 in Castlebar by partners Martina Calvey and Seamus Davitt, Hello Goodlife currently employs three staff members. The co-founders have invested €100,000 into the company so far.

Hello Goodlife offers a range of solutions designed to keep older adults active, from supplying specialised equipment to providing full planning and fit-out services for facilities.

Company Details

Hello Goodlife Ireland
Founded by: Martina Calvey and Seamus Davitt in 2023
Staff: 3
Investment: €100,000

“Our mission is to create and help providers create dedicated customised fitness, health and wellbeing spaces designed for mature and older adults. We use power-assisted exercise as the core solution,” Calvey told the Business Post.

“We offer a range of solutions to providers. It depends on the size of the space available and the ambition of the provider.”

In addition to setup services, Hello Goodlife also helps providers with marketing and advice on running the facility. To date, the business has set up two hubs in Mayo and one each in Roscommon and Sligo.

“It’s a turnkey solution, so the provider doesn’t have to think it all out. We know what this demographic needs in order for them to come consistently,” she said.

“We also provide social areas in the hub. It’s a core element of this approach. Most of the machines are designed so that people sit upright so they can chat and talk.”

The inspiration for the business came from Calvey’s own recovery from illness in recent years and learning about the training products sold by Innerva in the UK.

“I had struggled to find a suitable exercise solution. I went to Innerva and they brought us around to see some of the centres where their tools were in operation. It completely reframed my perception of aging due to the impact they were having,” she said.

“People are willing to invest in healthy ageing and active ageing if they are provided the right solution.”

Calvey and Davitt set about bringing Innerva’s products to Ireland and providing them as part of their plan for Hello Goodlife.

“I came from a business background with my family and had that personal experience as well. By 2030, the number of people in Ireland aged over 50 will exceed 2 million; we need to provide for this demographic,” she said.

“We provide scaled options, which allow gyms and community groups to enter the market at a level that suits them. The goal is to make it easy for providers to meet demand for healthy ageing services.”

The business expects to announce its fourth facility in the near future, and Calvey has big ambitions for the year ahead.

“We want to roll it out now nationwide. We’re in a position where we can select partners. One in every county would be a great start,” she said.

“Our long-term ambition is to build a national network of centres delivered through local partners, giving every community access to power-assisted exercise.”