Young at heart

The benefits of exercise on the mind and body have long been promoted as an important way to improve health and wellbeing. For residents at The Armitage, a local McKenzie Aged Care Group facility, this is no exception.

A regular exercise program at the facility has proven a fantastic way to keeping residents young at heart.

Deborah Buchanan, The Armitage’s activities coordinator, says the focus is on creating a fun and interesting exercise program to keep residents active and engaged to improve their quality of life.

“Every day residents have the option to take part in some of our activities which are tailored to all ability levels,” Ms Buchanan says.

Pictured is Ms Buchanan at The Armitage with a resident.

“This could involve our sit down dance exercises with classic old time dance hall music, gentle movement to cultural music, National Heart Foundation exercises, Wii competitions, walks in the gardens, gentle yoga or games such as quoits or ten pin bowling.”

She claims the activities have proved beneficial for improving residents’ concentration, self esteem and general wellbeing.

A key part of how the McKenzie Aged Care Group maintains a lively and engaged community at each of its facilities is through a comprehensive lifestyle activities program.

“Regular social activities play a major role in the health and wellbeing of residents and can alleviate feelings of anxiety and isolation that some residents experience when they first enter aged care,” Ms Buchanan says.

“One of our social activities is the weekly bus trip – we visit local shopping centres, have fish and chips at the beach, picnics in the park or even visit flower farms.

“We pride ourselves on helping residents achieve fulfilled lifestyles by offering activities, events and services that fulfil residents individually, socially, culturally and spiritually.”

The Armitage is a stylish purpose built facility in Windsor offering a full range of high, low and respite care.