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Improving connection, fitness
Getting moving doesn’t just improve the connections between your joints – it’s social connection that makes it worthwhile.
In Perth’s inner western suburb of Claremont, the local Lifecare clinic have been running regular exercise classes for older Australians.
For practice principal Anthony, these classes have been a core part of his practice for the least 17 years.
Which is long enough to see clearly how it benefits their lives.
“It’s a fantastic way to keep people moving, keep them socialising, working the environment with their friends and colleagues, and keeping their balance and movement up” Anthony said.
Regular movement and/or exercise is highly beneficial for older Australians, which can actively prevent or delay many of the health issues that come with older age.
Along with helping to increase bone density, it improves strength, balance and flexibility, greatly lowering the risk of falls.
Social connections
Class participant Marion has been coming to these workshops for over five years – she will soon celebrate her 95th birthday.
“Everything helps me, exercise is good for your body – exercise is for your body – I’m old and my body needs it” she said.
Run on a weekly basis, class participant Kate enjoys the classes so much she wishes she could attend them more often.
She values the social connection she gets from the classes the most.
“I find people very, very, very friendly and very welcoming” Kate said.
“I must say that Anthony and Jess made me feel very welcome. They’re very friendly and they really, really take care of the people that come here.”