Physical activity

Undertaking regular physical activity has many important health benefits that can increase your quality of life:

• It improves strength, balance, and for the frail and elderly can reduce the risk of falls.
• It can increase cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
• It can also contribute to independent living by helping to maintain, or increase, the ability to undertake the activities of daily living.
• The more physical activity you do the better for your health and well-being. Choose an activity that you enjoy. This may be walking, dancing, swimming, bowls, Tai-chi, bicycling, a group activity class, a gentle exercise class, strength training - anything that gets you moving.
• Talk to your medical practitioner to help you choose the most appropriate form of physical activity for you.

There are also plenty of clubs and associations devoted to sports and indoor/outdoor activities that feature physical activity in a social way.

Online Resources

The Victorian Government Better Health Channel has some quality information on Fitness for People Over 50

Exercise for seniors articles are featured on the About.com website.

Fitness Australia is the peak industry body for the fitness industry in Australia, and has an excellent website covering news and latest developments in exercise etc.

An excellent site for Australian Men’s health issues and tips on healthy living is the Good Medicine for Men website.

The Australian Women’s Health Network is a network of women’s health organisations, consumers and health professionals and has an extensive range of information on services and programs for women.