Australian seniors would markedly increase their exercise levels if they had access to affordable, community-based fitness classes tailored to specific health concerns, new research has found.
Results of the nation’s largest study into older Australians and exercise show that subsidised classes run by accredited exercise professionals, trained in the treatment of chronic diseases, can significantly boost physical activity among seniors. Nearly 7,000 Australians aged 65 and older participated in a range of low-to-moderate intensity 12-week exercise classes, including aqua aerobics, gym workouts, Pilates, and yoga. The program, Exercise Right for Active Ageing, was run by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and cost an average of $8 per class.
Monash University studied participation factors in these community-based classes, which were conducted nationwide. ESSA President Dr Brendan Joss said the study demonstrated that affordable, disease-inclusive exercise classes greatly improved participants’ quality of life.
“The program boosted overall physical activity levels, with participants engaging in additional physical activity beyond class time. They became more active by an extra day per week and reduced their sitting time by 30 minutes per day.”
Dr Brendan Joss
Classes were delivered by Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs), university-trained allied health professionals who prescribe physical activity to prevent, treat, and manage chronic conditions. Monash University’s assessment of the program, conducted during COVID-19 lockdowns, found that exercises tailored to specific health concerns had the highest attendance rates.
Many participants, who had high levels of comorbidity, reported that disease-specific classes taught them how to self-manage their health.
“Supervision by an AEP gave participants the confidence to move safely and effectively,” Dr Joss added.
Condition-specific classes also improved social connectedness among the cohort.
“Participants reported feelings of loneliness due to their health conditions impacting their ability to move and socialise, but the classes provided a support network.
The high attendance rates suggest that affordable, condition-specific physical activity is valued by older adults,”Dr Joss said.
The Exercise Right for Active Ageing program was supported by the Federal Government and managed by the Australian Sports Commission, with funding from the Move It AUS – Better Ageing Grants program.
In 2022, chronic conditions were an underlying or associated cause of death for 90% of all deaths in Australia, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Chronic conditions are also associated with substantial health system spending, with AIHW data showing $43.76 billion was spent on the top three most costly condition groups, all of which were chronic: musculoskeletal conditions, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
