Adding life to years
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Be Fit for Life – Exercise Inspiration for Over 55s


Be Fit for Life – Exercise Inspiration for Over 55s

Summary

The City of Melville developed a video for over 55s to encourage physical activity as well as a dedicated Fit for Life webpage to promote a variety of targeted exercise classes and a comprehensive directory of local health and fitness community groups within the City of Melville.

The City also created a subsidised ‘Fit for Life’ membership. The membership includes the gym and pool, tennis courts, personalised fitness programs, and ongoing support. Membership fees are reduced as people age providing a bigger incentive for people to stay fit for life!

The City has a variety of exercise programs developed for older adults including:

  • Strength for Life – encourages and supports mature people to achieve improved health and quality of life.  Progressive strength training has been shown to have a huge impact on wellbeing and quality of life.
  • ForeverFit Strength – is a resistance workout aimed at improving fitness, strength, mobility, balance and coordination, designed for the more mature adult or those returning to exercise.
  • ForeverFit Aqua – is a low impact class designed for older adults to improve tone, strength, flexibility, and coordination.
  • Active Circuit – is a group circuit-based class designed for the more mature adult, which increases cardiovascular and muscular endurance, balance and flexibility.
  • Lite Pace – is an introductory level class or for those wanting to enjoy a simple, fun class.

The MyWellness app complements fitness programs at the City of Melville LeisureFit centres.  Users receive an individual assessment as a starting point, allowing a trainer to create a personalised workout program. The app helps users access their personalised program and is designed to keep lifestyle data in one place.

Website: https://www.melvillecity.com.au/our-community/community-health-and-wellbeing/be-fit-for-life

Key facts

Main target group: Older people in general

Sector(s): Education, Health, Information and communication

Desired outcome for older people:
Be mobile

Other issues the Age-friendly practice aims to address:
  • Accessibility
  • Ageing in place
  • Healthy behaviours (e.g. physical activity)
  • Participation

Contact details

Name: Deena Lazzari

Email address: Naomi.Christensen@melville.wa.gov.au


Age-friendly practice in detail (click to expand):

Engaging the wider community

Project lead: Local authorities

Older people’s involvement: Older people helped to implement the age-friendly practice

Moving forward

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: No

Do you plan to evaluate your age-friendly practice? Yes

Looking back

Challenges:
Need for ongoing commitment to promotion for involvement and participation.