A recent study from the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health indicates 2.5 million over 65's are not meeting the national physical activity standards.
Active Seniors is implementing a free initiative to combat these numbers and get seniors up and moving.
Activity levels in the over 65 population have decreased by up to 10 per cent over the past two decades. This is alarming given the strong link between chronic disease and levels of inactivity.
These numbers don’t come as a surprise to seniors’ health expert, Taylor Harrison, founder of Active Seniors.
“Many people over 65 are aware they need to exercise - but are unsure of what to do or are scared of being judged in the traditional gym environment,” Mr Harrison said.
With the bulk of Australia’s medical expenses spent on the senior population, getting more people over the age of 65 active is critical to not only the economy, but their overall quality of life, including their mental wellbeing.
“The key to good health in later years in remaining physically active and engaged in the community. The more people are engaged, the better they fare mentally,” Mr Harrison said.
He has partnered with NSW Seniors Card to launch an Active Seniors Initiative, helping every Aussie over 60 to exercise, starting first with those in NSW.
They have 60 free workshops for people to attend across NSW, which are designed to give guidance on how to live an active life.
Taylor Harrison has also released a book on Seniors Health featuring an interview with Ita Buttrose, with all proceeds from the book going to Alzheimer’s research. For more information on the workshops or the book go to activeseniors.net.au
His mission to change Australia’s view of health for our senior population began after a family friend had a fall and passed away shortly after.
Inspired further by his own grandfather, who began exercising at 76 and achieved amazing results, he set up some Australia’s first exercise centres specifically for over 60s.
Over the past 11 years he has helped over 3000 seniors achieve greater health through exercise and now is taking that goal Australia-wide.
...and remember to have a fabulous retirementLIFE...
