It’s never too late to exercise

Participating in regular physical activity works wonders for our physical and mental health. It improves our strength, balance and coordination, reducing our risk of falls and helping us maintain our independence.

It gives us more energy, and prevents or delays diseases such as heart disease, diabetes or osteoporosis. It can also improve our cognitive function (how our brain works), with studies showing regular exercise reduces the risk of dementia.

In addition to the mental health benefits of physical activity, joining an exercise class or program also helps us make social connections and avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Despite this, you may be thinking you’re too old to begin exercising or it’s too early to start thinking about maintaining good balance.

Well, remember, it’s never too late to exercise. Anybody can do it, no matter what your age or ability. And it’s never too early to do strength and balance exercise to reduce our risk of falling.

Older adults in a swimming pool doing aqua aerobics while laughing and smiling.

Find a program or class

There are a number of NSW Health programs or local exercise classes available on the Central Coast that can help you reach the recommended levels of physical activity each week.

Get Healthy Service

The Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service is a free, phone-based coaching service that helps people aged 16 and over make positive lifestyle changes.

Stepping On

Stepping On is a seven-week community-based falls prevention program for adults aged 65 years and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 45 and over.

Find a local exercise class

NSW Health’s Active & Healthy website features an online directory to help you find exercise classes and programs near you. Walking groups, tai chi, yoga, dance and more!

Tech Savvy Seniors

Free digital literacy courses delivered face-to-face across the Central Coast to help older adults develop the skills and confidence to access information and services online.

A screengrab of the Healthy Ageing Online Learning platform.

Healthy Ageing Online Learning

Learn about healthy eating, getting active and falls prevention at your own pace from the comfort of your own home thanks to NSW Health’s free new Healthy Ageing Online Learning platform.

The platform includes:

  • eight online learning modules with quizzes
  • two online exercise programs designed for beginners with videos so you can follow along at home
  • factsheets with helpful tips and information
  • an exercise manual and logbook with images and easy-to-follow instructions

Users do not need to register or log in, making it easier for more people to access the content at any time.

Healthy ageing resources

We have resources, including checklists and activities, that provide practical advice and support on keeping our body and mind active as we grow older.

There are also a number of websites that support older people with particular conditions, the links to many you will find below.

Falls are Preventable videos

The following clips are from our Falls Are Preventable DVD. The videos look at the risk factors for falls and what action can be taken to help prevent a fall. These include medication, physical activity, eyesight, footwear, balance, home hazards, public safety and nutrition.

You can request a copy of the DVD by emailing us via the link below. Alternatively, watch any of the individual chapters below.

Two older adults walking a dog each along a beach.

Exercise

Nutrition and hydration

Medicines

Chronic conditions

Vision

Footwear

How to put shoes on to avoid a fall

Prevent falls in public places

Reducing hazards at home

Getting off the floor safely after a fall

Free healthy ageing presentations

We can facilitate healthy ageing presentations on a wide range of current topics.

Contact us on (02) 4320 9700 to discuss arranging a presentation for you.

Older adults doing balance exercises outdoors.

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