Being active is important for people of all ages. We look at some organisations which focus on exercise for older people.
The Department of Health and Aged Care guidelines state that those aged over sixty-five should be getting at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days. Staying active as we get older is important for good mental and physical health. It can also help reduce falls, which is a risk as people age. With that in mind, we have come up with some exercise options for older residents on the North Shore and Northern Beaches.
COMMUNITY MOVES
Community Moves offers exercise classes for the over fifties in Neutral Bay and Forestville.
Founder and exercise scientist Van Marinos started his business after looking at the health statistics for Australian seniors, low activity and high rates of chronic disease, which included his parents.
“My father had suffered a heart attack in his sixties, and Mum had osteoporosis. Neither were gym users,” Van said. “And there just didn’t seem to be anything out there that catered to them specifically.”
Seeing a gap in exercise classes for the over 50s, Van opened Community Moves Neutral Bay in 2018, with Forestville opening in September this year.
“It is a program that is specifically designed to address the needs of older bodies,” said Van. “But mostly strength and stability. We lose muscle mass as we age, which has catastrophic impacts on not only our physical function, but on our metabolic health and cognitive function.”
Van is well known for his expertise on geriatric fitness, and features on Old People’s Home for Teenagers, currently screening on the ABC.
His Neutral Bay studio has 170 members and about 35 classes per week. The Forestville studio has 15 classes, but this will increase as the business grows.
Van said that as well as the benefits of exercise, it’s the connection and friendships that keep people going back.
“Some love the exercise, but many come just for the connection and having a coffee after class,” said Van. “It really drives it. We have book clubs, walking groups, movie clubs and a huge Christmas party every year.”
“It’s providing so much more than just the physical health. It’s social health,” he added.
For more information, visit communitymoves.com.au.
MWP COMMUNITY CARE
To promote mobility and help reduce falls, the MWP Movement Programs offers activities to promote health, wellbeing and social connection. MWP Community Care is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation based in Narrabeen.
“Exercise can reduce falls by 23 per cent in older people,” says Chloe Feris, MWP operations manager.
“It’s never too late to get active!”
MWP offers two classes: ‘Groove and Move: Rediscover the Magic of Dance’ and ‘Fit, Fun and Fab’. Classes are held at the MWP head office in Narrabeen and run on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Many people attend multiple classes per week.
These weekly classes don’t just offer physical exercise but also joy, rhythm and camaraderie, Chloe says.
People can book a class via the MWP website, and door-to-door transport is available if needed.
“The overwhelming response from the community has led us to introduce two classes on Wednesdays with other classes held daily due to popular demand.”
If you are registered with My Aged Care, you will receive a government subsidy. Alternatively, clients can book privately.
Their mission is to assist seniors who want to live safely, independently and happily in their homes. MWP has been providing support services, home maintenance and modifications for older North Shore and Beaches residents for more than 50 years. Volunteers help with transport and shopping and make sure residents get to medical and other appointments.
For more information and to book a class, visit mwpcare.com.au or call 9913 3244.