A PROGRAM that aims to help those middle-aged and older become more fit is enjoying some healthy results will be expanded to include other CSU campuses and regional communities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Active Living Longer program helps adults aged 50 years and over pursue a long-term active lifestyle through applied science, education and technology.
“The broad aim of Active Living Longer is to empower the community to get healthier, and we have started with group exercise sessions at the gym at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst as a safe and supportive environment,” CSU School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health adjunct research fellow Dr Eevon Stott said.
“Statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare project that 22 per cent of the population will be aged 65 years and over by 2056. Active Living Longer aims to assist this group to remain independent for longer.
“One of the exciting elements of this program for me is being able to test over time if a wellbeing program can not only assist with obvious improvements in physical ability, but if it can also affect mental or cognitive performance positively in older people.”
The program has three elements, according to Dr Stott.
The first is group exercise sessions, which are guided by an exercise scientist and modified for each person to suit their capabilities.
Participants in the group exercise sessions can also opt to participate in research comprising physical, physiological, balance and wellbeing measures.
And since physical function is only part of the equation of healthy ageing, the program will expand to include workshops covering topics about nutrition and cognitive and mental health.
Participants pay a small fee to attend, according to Dr Stott, and the funds generated go towards paying to run the sessions.
Those who opt in for the research component will be able to use their results from the research to track their own progress over time.
“My current participants paid for an eight-session pass to the group exercise sessions, but already two have ‘graduated’ to joining the gym,” Dr Stott said.
“In time, we will offer tai chi classes at a cost of a gold coin donation, and an ‘Exercise 101’ theory and practical course. Further on, Active Living Longer hopes to collaborate with nutritionists to deliver workshops about eating for older adults.”
The program began in Bathurst.