Empowering older people to proactively tackle health risks
The low number of people over 55 undertaking sufficient levels of physical activity will be put under the spotlight during an interactive workshop by seniors advocate, Council on the Ageing South Australia (COTA SA) to address the looming health crisis.
Held on Wednesday 9 March at COTA SA, the Be Active Stay Well workshop will explore what stops people from taking up exercise as they age and show people how they might take charge by embracing an active lifestyle.
Guest speaker and former Port Adelaide player and coach, John Cahill will share insights on how physical activity has benefited him, what the barriers can be to participating and how they can be overcome.
COTA SA chief executive, Jane Mussared says many people in their 50s regain time lost in younger years and, as such, need to make exercising a priority for their health.
“From our mid 20s to mid 50s, many people juggle young families with work and other responsibilities, so naturally allowing enough time for exercise can be a challenge.
“However, once children grow up and become more independent, we tend to have more time for ourselves,” Ms Mussared says.
“Unfortunately, statistics show that less than 40 per cent of older people actually return to the recommended levels of exercise at this stage in life.
“The Be Active Stay Well workshop will explore the health benefits of regular exercise, such as reducing the risks of illness or disease, preventing injuries and even improving our mental health,” she says.
COTA SA will also share a few simple exercises from its Strength For Life Program that people can do at home or they can join the strength training sessions for a more structured regular workout.
The Be Active Stay Well workshop is held on Wednesday 9 March from 10am to 12pm at COTA SA, 16 Hutt Street, Adelaide. Entry is free for COTA SA members and $10 for non-members.
Call 8232 0422 or visit the COTA SA website for more information or to register for the workshop.
