Many older adults don’t think of themselves as needing aged care services, but the evidence is that health ageing is much more than reactively addressing a health issue when it arises. Regular physical activity and social connection both contribute to ageing well and for longer. Current evidence suggests older adults should participate in at least 2 30-minute strength-based exercises per week, along with at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activities on most days.
Health and wellness services can help meet these guidelines and maintain or improve the ability for older people to do the things that are important to them, such as gardening, travelling, or playing with their grandchildren. Services such as exercise physiology, physiotherapy, and exercise classes can support people of all ages and abilities to remain active, independent and connected. These services can be accessed privately or through government funding where eligible, such as Commonwealth Home Support Program or Support at Home at age-specific health and wellness centres.
Should a health event, such as a fall occur, health services can be designed to support an older person to regain their strength, fitness and confidence, with 1:1 physiotherapy or exercise physiology. An occupational therapist can also assess your home and activities to ensure your environment is as safe as possible and even recommend handy equipment such as a kettle tipper in the kitchen, or a handy-bar to help you get in and out of your car easily. They may even recommend home modifications to ensure you have safe access to your home via a ramp or rails.
Whilst wanting to stay fit and healthy is what often gets people through the door of a health and wellness centre, it is often the social connections and friendships as well as the physical health benefits that keep them coming back. Connection with others is important at any age and has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, reduce the risk of chronic health conditions, and create a better quality of life and better health outcomes. There are also lots of options available beside exercise classes to create and maintain social connections, including walking groups, community centres, Men’s sheds, craft groups, bus trips, and coffee clubs.
Getting older doesn’t have to mean that a decline in your health is inevitable, and the best time to invest in your health is while you have it.
ECH provides fitness classes, exercise physiology, physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy, speech pathology, dietetics, music therapy, social work, nursing, massage therapy, and allied health assistance at 5 sites: Henley Beach, Modbury, Firle, Morphett Vale, and Victor Harbor. Call our Onboarding Team at ECH on 1300 275 324 to find out more.
Allison Speck
ECH Home Care Regional Manager
