Lifeball
Background
Participation in regular physical activity is beneficial for older people. As well as physiological and psychological benefits, it has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
Appropriate physical activity also contributes to improving the self-management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. It has been shown to have a protective effect against falls injuries through building muscle strength, balance, flexibility and fitness. Since falls injuries are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation and death in people aged over 65, this is also a high priority for health promotion programs for older people.
The psychological benefits of participation in physical activity groups include improvements in socialisation and social confidence. In turn, improvement in quality of life often results in increased confidence in carrying out everyday activities and feelings of control over one’s own health and well-being.
Despite clear evidence describing the value of participation by older people in physical activity groups, there is limited access to such groups in regional and rural NSW. Lifeball is an activity that can meet the needs of people aged over 50, providing an opportunity for regular physical activity and encouraging socialisation in a fun and safe environment.
Aims and objectives
The aim of this project is to form new Lifeball groups for the veteran and wider community in the Hunter region, in partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Department of Sport and Recreation and other local agencies. Objectives to achieve this include:
- Establishing approximately six (6) new Lifeball teams to facilitate access to gentle exercise activities for the veteran and wider Hunter community.
- Raising awareness of Lifeball through a media communications strategy.
- Establishing a physical activity program that will be self-sustaining.
Implementation
Four "come and try" days were conducted in the Hunter in 2004. To promote Lifeball, representatives of the project team spoke at meetings of local veterans’ groups/networks and provided information via veterans’ newsletters. Media releases and community announcements were also used to promote the event. Interested people who attended the days were given the opportunity to join the six new Hunter Lifeball teams that were established by the project. Suitable venues for weekly games were identified across the Hunter. Each new team was supported by a fitness leader for 10 weeks. During this period volunteers were recruited from among group members to become the contact person and group leader for each new team. The project officer will continue to support group leaders and conduct team visits over the course of the project. New Lifeball players will be recruited to participate in the Lifeball Evaluation trial being conducted in four Area Health Services. Interested Lifeball players were invited to attend a ‘coach and umpires’ workshop to facilitate the sustainability of Lifeball in the Hunter beyond the term of the project.
Funding for the project was received from the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs and is being conducted in partnership with Hunter offices of the Department of Veteran Affairs and Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation.
- Contact HNEPH for more information about this project
- Falls Injuries For Older People Information & Support