A Good Place to Begin
The internet is often a good place to begin looking for help with senior care issues. Here are a few resources you may find useful:
Department of Health and Ageing
Physical Activity Recommendations for Older Australians
It’s never too late to start becoming physically active, and to feel the associated benefits. “Too old” or “too frail” are not of themselves reasons for an older person not to undertake physical activity. Most physical activities can be adjusted to accommodate older people with a range of abilities and health problems, including those living in residential care facilities.
Many improved health and well-being outcomes have been shown to occur with regular physical activity. These include helping to:
- maintain or improve physical function and independent living;
- improve social interactions, quality of life, and reduce depression;
- build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, reducing the risk of injuries from falls;
- and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, and some cancers.
There are five physical activity recommendations for older Australians.
- Older people should do some form of physical activity, no matter what their age, weight, health problems or abilities.
- Older people should be active every day in as many ways as possible, doing a range of physical activities that incorporate fitness, strength, balance and flexibility.
- Older people should accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days.
- Older people who have stopped physical activity, or who are starting a new physical activity, should start at a level that is easily manageable and gradually build up the recommended amount, type and frequency of activity.
- Older people who continue to enjoy a lifetime of vigorous physical activity should carry on doing so in a manner suited to their capability into later life, provided recommended safety procedures and guidelines are adhered to.
Snapshots
SnapShots is a selection of features and images of the portrayal of Australians over 50 ‘in History’ and ‘Today’. It includes images of Australians over 50 throughout the history of Australia, illustrating past fashion and lifestyles. There is a current section of images ‘Today’, which are updated on a fortnightly basis.
Healthy Ageing
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Healthy ageing is determined by the ongoing activities and behaviours you undertake to reduce the risk of illness and disease and improve your mind, body and soul.
Explore these pages to learn more:
Download a PDF version of the Activity Calendar (PDF 350 kB)
Download a PDF version of the Activities booklet (PDF 1.5 MB)
