Health Moves

Status: Ongoing

Evaluated

Kiama Australia

Print this page City population: 2131427.60% over 60Practice started in 2019

Summary

Health Moves provides a fun, friendly and supportive environment for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart problems, high cholesterol, blood pressure or osteoarthritis, to get their health back on track.

The exercise classes led by Leisure Centre staff are designed for all ages, and the exercises are also tailored for each person’s health and fitness levels. The classes start slowly so participants can gain confidence, building up as the program progresses.

In addition to exercise, Health Moves includes education sessions on healthy living. The program is intended as a low-cost and easy-to-access start for locals with chronic conditions who are wondering how and where to go to start getting active. An additional benefit is, after the program, people can continue to exercise at Kiama Leisure Centre, where they will be familiar with the staff and facilities.

There are two exercise sessions a week and four healthy living sessions over the twelve weeks of the program. Eligible participants are offered an affordable, subsidised membership of the gym at the cost of $99 for three months. Health Moves is an initiative of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District and Kiama Municipal Council.

Website: https://www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services-clinics/health-promotion/health-moves

Key facts

Main target group: Older people with chronic health conditions or disability

Other target group(s): Younger people with chronic conditions or disability

Sector(s): Health

Desired outcome for older people:
Meet their basic needs

Other issues the Age-friendly practice aims to address:

Accessibility
Healthy behaviours (e.g. physical activity)
Inclusion
Participation
Other

Other Issues: Chronic health issues & Mobility

Contact details

Name: Nick Guggisberg

Email address: nickg@kiama.nsw.gov.au

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

Engaging the wider community

Project lead: Social or health care provider

Others involved in the project:

Local authorities

How collaboration worked: In 2019 a partnership project was established between ISLHD and Kiama Council to run a pilot program. Partners included the ISLHD Health Promotion Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Diabetes Service and Kiama Leisure Centre. The pilot program was resourced by ILSHD Intergraded Chronic Care Management and aligns with the strategic goals of both partners – Council for healthy living and positive ageing and Health for equity and chronic disease prevention

Older people’s involvement: Older people were involved in the age-friendly practice at multiple or all stages

Details on older people’s involvement: Older people are participants in the physical activity twice weekly for 12 weeks at the Kiama Leisure Centre. Participants then evaluate the Health Moves program providing input to future programs.

Moving forward

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: Yes

Was the impact positive or negative:
Positive

Feedback:
Benefits and what participants most enjoyed about the program Overall, feedback about the program was very positive with participants reporting that the program was beneficial in helping them manage their health. Many reported feeling fitter and stronger with improvements in flexibility, muscle tone and balance. The program’s value in increasing participant’s skills for regular exercise is clearly articulated by participants. “Improved muscle tone. Generally feeling fitter and better balanced” Some participant’s reported learning about the different types of exercise they could do and how to do them correctly. The program also assisted with developing an exercise routine. “Techniques out value regular exercise” Some participants found that their mental health has benefitted. “Strength, fitness and positive mental attitude”. Many enjoyed the group environment, talking of the value of peer support in becoming motivated for exercise. “Meeting people, getting active – organised, becoming motivated”. Many enjoyed the group environment, talking of the value of peer support in becoming motivated for exercise. “Meeting people, getting active – organised, becoming motivated”. Suggestions for Improvement The strongest feedback for improvements were structural with many participants reporting issues with acoustics in the group room. There was also a request for chairs in the group room to have opportunity to rest or exercise seated if required. “Acoustics so bad, very difficult to hear”. “Most participants have age related hearing issues and there’s a lot of resonance in the room. With loud music it’s often hard to hear the instructor”. A number of participants requested for that the sessions be run at a consistent time. “Having similar classes at good times”. There were a number of suggestions of having names tags to help with social interaction. “Name tags from the beginning”. One participant said that they would like instructors to be more aware of their health conditions, while another suggested extra support be available. “Because age and general fitness varied a lot, some of us needed extra help”.

Expansion plans:
Yes – the Health Moves Program has continued beyond the initial pilot program and continues to run in 2020

Looking back

Challenges:
There was a huge interest in the program with more applicants than places available, so wait lists were created, to give those who missed out first, opportunity on the next round.