New research highlights the significant impact of tailored fitness programs on improving physical activity and health outcomes among Australian seniors. The findings underscore that affordable, community-based exercise classes designed to address specific health issues can substantially elevate exercise levels in older adults.
This research, which represents the largest study of its kind on older Australians and physical activity, reveals that subsidized exercise classes led by accredited professionals can effectively enhance seniors’ activity levels. Nearly 7,000 Australians aged 65 and over participated in a variety of low-to-moderate intensity 12-week exercise programs, including aqua aerobics, gym workouts, Pilates, and yoga. The Exercise Right for Active Ageing program, orchestrated by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), averaged $8 per class.
Monash University conducted the study, focusing on the factors influencing participation in these nationwide community-based classes. According to ESSA President Dr. Brendan Joss, the study indicates that affordable, disease-focused exercise classes notably improve participants’ overall quality of life.
“The program led to increased physical activity levels beyond the class sessions, with participants engaging in additional activities on an extra day per week and reducing their sedentary time by 30 minutes daily,” Dr. Joss explained.
The classes, facilitated by Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs)—university-trained health professionals specializing in physical activity for chronic disease management—demonstrated the highest attendance rates when tailored to specific health concerns. The study, which was conducted during the COVID-19 lockdowns, found that these targeted classes helped participants manage their health more effectively.
“Participants with multiple health conditions reported that these disease-specific classes empowered them with self-management skills,” Dr. Joss noted. “Supervision by an AEP also provided them with the confidence to exercise safely and effectively.”
Furthermore, the condition-specific classes fostered improved social connections among participants. Many seniors, affected by health issues that limited their mobility and social interactions, found a valuable support network through these classes.
Dr. Joss emphasized, “The high attendance rates indicate that older adults highly value affordable, condition-specific physical activity programs.”
The Exercise Right for Active Ageing initiative was backed by the Federal Government and overseen by the Australian Sports Commission, with support from the Move It AUS – Better Ageing Grants program.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), chronic conditions were a major factor in 90% of all deaths in Australia in 2022. Additionally, chronic conditions contribute significantly to health system costs, with AIHW data showing that $43.76 billion was spent on the three most expensive chronic condition categories: musculoskeletal disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
