Do you find tasks in your everyday life that you wish you could do a bit easier?

By Sarah Mengel l Accredited Exercise Physiologist
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We know one thing that can help this – Exercise!

It is never too late to start exercising and feel it’s positive benefits start to change your life. Feeling as though you are too old or too frail are reasons to start becoming physically active, not excuses.

Staying active is incredibly important as you age to get the best out of your day. As we age, physical inactivity can lead to decreased muscle strength and bone health. This then increases frailty, inability to complete regular daily tasks and risk of age-related conditions such as sarcopenia and osteopenia. The good news is that with regular exercise, these negative effects of physical inactivity can be counteracted. It is currently recommended that older adults (over 65 years) accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, on most, if not all days of the week. Furthermore, to complete muscle-strengthening exercises at least 2 non-consecutive days per week.  

Some of the benefits of exercising include:

  • Prevention or management of chronic conditions
  • Increased muscular strength and endurance.
  • Improved bone health
  • Increased capacity to complete daily activities and stay independent
  • Improved balance to decrease falls risk
  • Improved sleep and mood
  • Improved heart and lung function

The Exercise Right for Active Ageing is a program designed to provide direction, support and physical therapy to older adults (65years +). The program is run by University qualified Accredited Exercise Physiologists, who are specifically skilled in prescribing exercise to those living with chronic conditions. The program is funded by the Australian Government, which provides 12 subsidised group exercise classes. The program also includes initial testing to obtain a baseline fitness level, with further testing completed at the end of the 12 sessions to see improvements. 

If you are interested, please give us a call or drop in to our clinic for more information! We are excited to see you!