Weekly Sessions Combat Healthcare Burden

Altaira Allied Health and Wellness Centre offers weekly active ageing sessions for older members of the community.

Through these classes, people 65+ are able to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, while also staying engaged and connected to their community. The classes provide a chance to meet and socialise with others of similar age. No two classes are the same which means that attendees get a variety as they meaningfully improve health outcomes. Some participants are even in their mid-nineties, highlighting the inclusivity and accessibility of the program. The high rate of repeat attendance, including a dedicated social and community group since its inception, underscores the program’s effectiveness.

As a physio-designed and led program, overseen by Michael Zoumaras, with a focus on strength and balance, the classes offer much more than just an exercise and wellness opportunity. Offering tailored support, the program caters to diverse abilities and fitness levels. Participants are encouraged to progress at their own pace, with modifications available to suit individual needs. Safety is paramount, and the program is meticulously designed to minimise risks during exercises and movements.

Identifying and developing a vital community service

Altaira Allied Health and Wellness Centre (as part of Altaira), deeply embedded in its community, recognised a pressing need for tailored programs catering to the specific health requirements of older people. Acknowledging the demographic’s unique needs and the strain on public healthcare systems, Altaira embarked on a journey to enhance community wellbeing.

The inception of the Active Ageing program stemmed from a profound understanding of the aging population’s requirements and the desire to proactively address them. In particular, that physical activity significantly reduces the prevalence of chronic illness.

Physio-designed and led, the program not only fosters physical health but also cultivates social connections among participants. This foresight led to unexpected yet impactful outcomes, including the formation of a vibrant community committee dedicated to social activities and fundraising.

Combating rising healthcare burdens

Additionally, the concern of rising healthcare costs is prominent for this cohort.  Average estimated out-of-pocket expenses Australia-wide by seniors towards their health annually is approximately $14.18 billion. By attending regular classes, individuals will be able to mitigate unexpected health costs as much as possible, given that regular movement and socialisation are two of the biggest contributing factors to better health.

Furthermore, Altaira has a deep understanding of how loneliness and social isolation can contribute to poor health.

‘Loneliness can have dramatic consequences for your health. Loneliness can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, elevated blood pressure, and increased cortisol (a stress hormone). It can affect your immune system and decrease your overall sense of contentment,’ reported Better Health.

‘Social relationships—both quantity and quality—affect mental health, health behavior, physical health, and mortality risk.’

By creating a program that not only addresses physical health, Altaira has implemented a program that powerfully alleviates the burden of loneliness by offering a regular coming together. The fact the attendance rate has more than tripled this year demonstrates the program’s popularity.

Altaira’s commitment to continuous improvement ensures that the program evolves to meet changing community needs.

‘I love attending both the Active Ageing classes per week. We are provided with expert tuition as to how to increase our flexibility and movements in a safe environment. The exercises are helping me with my balance and general wellbeing. Although I’ve only been attending for five months, I am participating in a more confident manner,’ R Winter (74 years).

 

Class details

Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30 am and 10:00 am, respectively, the sessions are held at Altaira’s main location, 629 Lower North East Road, Campbelltown.

Every Tuesday at 8:30 am, Eastern United Football Club, located at 267 Lower Athelstone Road in Athelstone.

These sessions are open to people over the age of 65 and are completely free to attend.

More details can be found here.