THE FACILITATOR of a physical and mental exercise program for seniors says she would love to see more local spaces used for health promotion as the city grapples with an ageing population.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Think Move Do owner Angelina Armato runs local workshops to keep seniors’ grey matter active.
She says more programs without the overheads associated with high rents and hire costs could minimise bills for seniors and governments.
The comments come after a Victoria University researcher Myrla Sales found outdoor exercise parks specifically designed for seniors helped them better enjoy life and potentially lowered rates of costly falls common with aging.
Dr Sales said seniors had few exercise options in Australian public spaces and called for more exercise parks dedicated to older Australians.
Locally, only Heathcote had exercise equipment located in a public space.
A City of Greater Bendigo spokeswoman said the Eaglehawk Open Space Precinct Master Plan recommended a fitness circuit around Lake Neangar.
“In the development of the fitness circuit we would try to make the equipment suitable for a broad variety of users,” she said.
“However, the development of a fitness circuit around Lake Neangar would be subject to future budget bids.”
Ms Armato welcomed Victoria University’s research and said it was “certainly time” to consider how the community could best meet the needs of an ageing population, as well as younger generations of people acquiring chronic health conditions.
She said creative solutions like Tai Chi, yoga or her own programs could be run in more public spaces to help minimise costs.
“From a facilitator’s point of view, we need to find venues that accommodate people at various locations that are accessible,” she said.
“If the rent or hire fees are too expensive it will put facilitators in a position where we need to increase our prices to cover the venue and our insurance as well as qualification updates.”
Costs could be a barrier to exercise for those on a pension, as could transport to and from venues, Ms Armato said.
Other barriers included a belief among some that they were too old for exercise, Others felt unsafe or bored when out walking.
“Gyms can be costly and often orientated towards a younger and more active individuals therefore they may not feel comfortable or safe when using some types of equipment,” Ms Armato said.
She said the main factors driving people to her Think Move Do programs was the social connection, meeting new people and keeping the brain and body active.
Think Move Do’s Ageless Grace sessions recommence on the third Saturday of February at the Eaglehawk Uniting Church. To find out more call Ms Armato on 0400 826 776 or visit the company’s Facebook site.