Move your way into the new year with free online active program for western Sydney seniors

79-year-old western Sydney local Shirley, who lives with a chronic lung condition, says her health and age were no barrier to participating in the NSW Health 10-week Healthy and Active for Life Online program.

The Healthy and Active for Life Online program is for people over 60 (or over 45 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who would like support in healthy lifestyle and gentle exercise.

Participants are supported with more ways to eat healthily, build strength, balance and fitness, with the next program starting 30 January 2023.

“The 10 online modules were interesting and I’m still doing the exercises from the book,” said Shirley.

I have a few different medical conditions but I could still do the exercises and the program was adapted especially for me. And it’s not only for ladies, it’s for men as well.”

With the help of Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD)’s Respiratory Ambulatory Care Services (RACS) and Centre for Population Health’s Healthy Ageing team, Shirley reinvigorated her social connections and physical activity via a weekly text messaging service, a monthly newsletter and access to the Healthy and Active for Life Online program.

While she has done exercise classes in the past, Shirley found she “learnt a few new exercises” through the program and particularly enjoyed the weekly phone calls from her phone coach Lisa who she said “was amazing, calling me up and checking how I was going”.

“Our phone coaches are trained health professionals who chat to participants about how they can use the information they are learning to make changes to their lifestyle,” said WSLHD Healthy Ageing program officer, Elise Harding.

“To join the program, all you need is a small space at home to exercise, a device connected to the internet (i.e. computer or laptop), a phone and a medical clearance from your local doctor if you have certain medical conditions.”

Register by this Friday 20 January for the next Healthy and Active for Life Online program by visiting https://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/hal.

The program will run throughout 2023 with start dates on 24 April, 17 July and 9 October if January is too soon to jump on board.

For more information about WSLHD Active Ageing programs, phone the WSLHD Healthy Ageing team (ask for Elise Harding, Monday – Thursday) on (02) 9840 3603.

If you have a chronic lung condition and need more information regarding the Respiratory Ambulatory Care Service contact 8890 9836 for referral information.