New exercise guidelines for Over 55s

Most people would be aware of the various campaigns aimed at getting Australians to live more active and healthy lifestyles. Yet statistics show that half of older Australians are still not doing enough physical activity to maintain a healthy way of life.

Recently the Federal Government has, for the first time, developed guidelines aimed at increasing the level of physical activity in older Australians.

The Physical Activity Recommendations for Older Australians, developed by the National Ageing Research Institute, were announced by the Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot on 23 March 2009. The recommendations urge older Australians to participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.

“Physical activity in older people is important for helping to prevent or manage chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis” Mrs Elliot said.

Even a slight increase in activity can improve a person’s overall wellbeing, and can help with sleeping better, reducing stress and anxiety, and increasing energy levels.
The recommendations are reflected in the booklet “Choose Health: Be Active”, and include:

• Activities that improve flexibility, such as bowls, yoga or dancing
• Activities that improve strength, such as taking the stairs or doing yard work
• Activities and stretches that improve balance
• General fitness activities such as golf, swimming or walking the dog.

The recommendations also include tips on healthy eating, activities for specific health concerns, and addresses how to overcome setbacks and exercise excuses.

The “Choose Health: Be Active” booklet is available from http://www.health.gov.au or by calling 1800 500 853.

Elements 3rd Age Living Launched

After spending many years studying the impact of the built environment on successful ageing, I decided to create a new style of community where my philosophy of third age living could be embraced. Today, I’m proud to present Elements Third Age Living @ Springwood.

Every aspect of the community has been designed to foster the elements of a long and happy life – physical, spiritual, social, financial and psychological wellbeing.

These five crucial elements are the foundations upon which our community is built, and their influence is seen throughout the entire development. We have ensured there is a strong spiritual and social focus in the community’s built form, from the Japanese-inspired Zen gardens to the wide range of communal areas designed for entertaining and socialising.

These five elements also feature prominently in the design of our villas, with ample space for friends and family to visit or stay. All the research into successful retirement living points to an undeniable link between maintaining our long-standing social networks and a happy, healthy third age.

Your new home has also been designed to accentuate the bushland surroundings and enhance your independence, while remaining at an affordable price.

Homes at Elements Third Age Living@Springwood are now officially on sale, and we are taking expressions of interest. Please accept my personal invitation to visit the Elements site and see for yourself how this exciting new community will take shape in the months ahead.

I look forward to watching Elements grow and become a place of happiness, health, prosperity and peace for all residents.