What is Active Ageing?

As we age, we can experience a physiological decline in both physical function and mental abilities. This can include loss of muscle mass, reduced memory, reduced balance, increased difficulty performing daily tasks and increase the risk of chronic conditions. However, we also know that exercise can help to reduce this decline, and in fact improve our physical functioning, reduce the risk of chronic conditions and improve memory.

We know that exercise and physical activity has a multifaceted benefit on our health and wellbeing. Being physically active as we age is imperative to maintaining function, independence, physical functioning during activities of daily living as well as psychological benefits.

In Australia, there is a large portion of the population who are not participating in the recommended level of physical activity. Physical activity incorporates and body movement via the skeletal muscles that results in the expenditure of energy. This includes housework, activities of daily living and structured exercise.

It is recommended that adults over the age of 65 participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every day of the week. Including a combination of aerobic fitness, weight training and balance. So what does this mean?

• Aerobic fitness or cardiorespiratory training may include walking, swimming or cycling
• Resistance training includes exercises where you have to move against a resistance with the aim to improve strength. Such as bicep curls, sit to stands, wall push-ups, step ups, shoulder press, etc. These can be performed with weights or using body weight as the resistance
• Balance training includes movements such as heel-toe walking, standing on one leg or standing on an uneven surface such as a cushion

For people with chronic or complex conditions or joint pain, it is important to seek an exercise professional who can create a tailored exercise program to optimise your health and function based on your health and personal goals.