Free events for savvy seniors looking to keep active and healthy

Hundreds of events will take place across the state to help older adults stay active, healthy and social as part of the NSW Seniors Festival (12 – 23 February).

Western Sydney residents aged 60+ can join free Active & Healthy sessions the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is running at selected local libraries in February.

The Active & Healthy sessions will cover how to improve your strength and balance, how much and what types of physical activity are best, and what to eat for strong and healthy bones.

WSLHD Centre for Population Health deputy director Christine Newman highlighted the importance for people 60 and over to stay mobile and active to help ensure a good quality of life.

“So we can continue to do the things we enjoy, like getting out and about, walking, and generally being mobile, maintaining a level of strength and balance is essential,” Christine said.

“The Active & Healthy sessions are quick, one-hour sessions with a health expert who will give active lifestyle tips and teach some easy-to-follow gentle exercises to improve balance and strength.”

The sessions will be held for Seniors 60+ at:

•           Regents Park Library (1 Amy St)

18th February, 11am – 12noon

•           Granville Library (8 Carlton St)

19th February, 11am – 12noon

Reserve your space with the Library bookings team: 8757 9618.

“As well as our Active & Healthy sessions, we are offering two regular programs at venues across western Sydney for older adults to stay active and healthy — Stepping On and Healthy & Active,” Christine said. 

Stepping On is an eight-week falls prevention program for over 65s who have had a fall or are concerned about their balance.

Healthy & Active is a new 10-week wellbeing program for over 60s who are inactive but would like some support to improve their health and be more active.

Qualified leaders with experience in health and wellbeing run both programs.

In 2019-20, the NSW Ministry of Health allocated $36.6 million to programs to tackle obesity, with $24.7 million of this for the prevention of childhood obesity.

For more details: Contact the Centre for Population Health on phone 9840 3603 or email WSLHD-ActiveandHealthy@health.nsw.gov.au