Active Living: Physical Activity Programs for the Over 50s.
Background
Participation in regular physical activity has many benefits for people aged over 50. Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of general ill health, heart disease, some cancers, stroke and mental health problems. Appropriate physical activity can also assist people to self-manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. Participating in group physical activity programs also provides social benefits, such as meeting new people and having fun.
Balance training is an essential element of exercising for people aged 50 and over. High level balance exercises such as Tai Chi and other gentle exercises which challenge balance are effective in preventing fall injury, and have many other benefits such as increased mobility and confidence.
Being active throughout life will assist people to continue to carry out their daily activities and maintain their independence and quality of life.
Aims and objectives
To increase the number of physical activity opportunities for people aged 50 and over living in the Hunter New England region.
Implementation
In partnership with the Hunter Active Over 50 program and other training providers throughout the Hunter New England, Population Health is currently:
- Identifying areas where new classes for the over 50s are required
- Supporting the training of fitness leaders to provide new classes to adults over 50 in areas of identified need
- Up-skilling existing fitness leaders to include more balance and strength exercises in their current classes
- Supporting trained fitness leaders to ensure their classes continue.
Classes in the Hunter New England Health region
Active and healthy
Preventing falls and harm from falls is a strategic priority for the NSW Department of Health. Physical activity plays a major role in preventing falls in older people, particularly those activities that include balance and leg strength components.
A web-based directory of physical activity programs that aim to keep people aged 50 and over active and healthy, and include balance and strength exercises, has been developed by NSW Health.
Find out the location of balance and strength exercise classes in your local area.
If you are a fitness provider who is currently offering classes which cater for people aged 50 and over, we recommend you list details of each of your classes on this FREE website.
This directory will be used by local communities, health professionals (general practitioners, physiotherapists, etc) exercise leaders, and Area Health Service staff to identify physical activity programs that incorporate falls prevention components in their local area.
Active Over 50
The Hunter New England Area Health Service ‘Active Over 50’ program is designed to help people aged 50 and over to lead a healthy and more active lifestyle. Classes carrying the Active Over 50 logo have been developed specifically for people aged 50 and over, are low cost and are provided by trained fitness instructors. There is something to suit everyone and classes include gentle exercise, aqua aerobics, Tai Chi and more.
Active Over 50 classes will help people to improve their balance, strength, fitness and flexibility, and stay fit, healthy and independent for life. Balance training is an essential element of exercising for people aged 50 and over, which is incorporated into most Active Over 50 classes.
Active Over 50 offer classes throughout the Hunter region and Lower Mid North Coast of NSW.
If you are over 50, or have clients who would benefit from participating in a class, simply click on one of the links below to find a class that suits your or your clients lifestyle.
- Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Port Stephens (pdf) 319 KB
- Great Lakes and Manning (pdf) 205 KB
- Maitland and Hunter Valley (pdf) 188 KB
- Port Stephens (pdf) 173 KB
For more information about Active Over 50 classes in the Hunter region and Lower Mid North Coast
call the Free call number 1300 887 776
Heartmoves
The Heartmoves exercise program specifically addresses the needs of people with existing heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, however, is also ideal for people with diabetes, arthritis, lung and chest conditions, and those with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight, and depression.
Heartmoves is suitable for people who need to exercise at a safe, low-moderate intensity.
Heartmoves offers classes throughout the Hunter region and in some areas within New England.
Find out more about Heartmoves classes and where they are located.
Other classes in the Hunter and New England areas
Timetables of classes which cater for people over 50 are currently not available for many areas in Hunter and New England. Population Health is progressively visiting communities across New England to identify available programs and speak to health staff, fitness providers and community members about current classes and future community need for physical activity programs for the over 50s.
Consultations have been conducted in the following areas. Click on one of the links below to find a class that suits your or your client’s lifestyle.
- Armidale and Tablelands (Armidale, Deepwater, Emmaville, Glen Innes, Guyra, Tenterfield, Uralla) - pdf 72 KB
- Barraba - pdf 35 KB
- Gunnedah - pdf 56 KB
- McIntyre (Ashford, Bingara, Bundarra, Delungra, Inverell, Tingha and Warialda) - pdf 61 KB
- Manilla - pdf 32 KB
- Mehi (Boggabri, Moree, Mungindi, Narrabri, Wee Waa) - pdf 58 KB
- Peel Regional - pdf 42 KB
- Tamworth - pdf 65 KB
- Upper Hunter (Breeza, Denman, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Muswellbrook,Quirindi,Scone, Spring Ridge, Tambar Springs, Werris Creek, Willow Tree) - pdf 60 KB
- Walcha - pdf 84 KB
As consultations are completed additional class lists will be added to this site.
Information and support
For more information about Active Over 50 classes in the Hunter region and Lower Mid North Coast
call the Free call number 1300 887 776.
For information on Falls Injury Prevention and for more information about the Active Living Project