© Danielle Robertson Consulting Pty Ltd t/as DR Care Solutions
While we're a nation of sports lovers, on the whole, we do not exercise enough and our level of sedentariness increases with age.
Australian Federal Department of Health research dating back to 2018 reveals that of the cohort of Australians over 65 years, 69% of men and 75% of women were insufficiently active[1].
To be considered 'active', you need to be undertaking physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days, preferably every day. That's the Australian health guideline!
With the COVID restrictions of the past six months, those percentages will be worse. So starting this week, it's time to get more active!
There are multiple reasons for regular physical activity. It is good for:
The experts say that to remain fit, we need a combination of endurance, strength, flexibility and balancing exercises. Each delivers different benefits.
While our State and Territory governments closed gyms, health clubs and fitness classes during the past six months, they have all now reopened, apart from Victoria where restrictions are still in place.
If you live outside of Victoria, you can attend gyms, health clubs or fitness classes - though you will need to respect their COVID-19 safe practices. A listing of the current status on physical activities in each State/Territory is provided in the table in the Resources section of this blog[2].
The excuses dwindle further when you see the plethora of activities provided online. You can create your own gym at home! Here are some good samples:
Before you launch into a new regime, remember to:
If you're wishing to keep a loved one active and looking for an in-home carer to keep them motivated, and safe at the same time, please feel free to contact me, Danielle Robertson at DR Care Solutions, for an initial discussion on how we can make this happen.
At DR Care Solutions we specialise in making sure you have the right care, support and assistance at the right time and in the right place.
[1] Australian Federal Department of Health Research
[2] To understand what practices are in place for your local gym and community fitness class, refer to the links in the table below.
State/Territory |
Current Gym/Health Club/Fitness Class requirements |
Open with COVID-Safe Practices* |
Queensland |
https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/roadmap-to-easing-queenslands-restrictions/sport/restrictions |
Yes |
New South Wales |
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe/gyms |
Yes |
ACT |
https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/what-you-can-do/faqs-changes-to-restrictions/gyms-bootcamps-personal-training |
Yes |
Victoria |
Metro Melbourne: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/sport-and-exercise-metropolitan-melbourne-third-step Regional Victoria: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/sport-and-exercise-third-step |
No |
Tasmania |
https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/families-community/sport-and-recreation |
Yes |
South Australia |
https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/activities-and-gatherings |
Yes |
Western Australia |
https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-what-you-can-and-cant-do |
Yes |
Northern Territory |
https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/business-and-work/business/guidelines-for-businesses-and-community-organisations-stage-3 |
Yes |
* As at date of publish. COVID Safe practices vary slightly amongst the States/Territories but generally involve: registering attendance; keeping 1.5 m apart; wearing a mask to reduce the risks; washing hands regularly; and staying at home if you are feeling unwell.