ESSA delivers government subsidised classes to older Australians

A $1.838 million grant through the Move it AUS – Better Ageing Grant Program in 2019, sees Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) placed to deliver over 250 discounted group exercise classes for older Australians every week through the Exercise Right for Active Ageing (ERAA) project.

Anita Hobson-Powell, ESSA Chief Executive advises “the ERAA project aims to deliver affordable, subsidised exercise classes to older Australians over the age of 65 led by university-qualified professionals: Accredited Exercise Physiologists and Accredited Exercise Scientists.

“This project will be a game changer in accelerating older Australians’ understanding of the benefits of active ageing, and the role exercise plays in maintaining and improving their health and independence.”

ESSA was one of 27 organisations sharing in the $22.9 million invested in the Move it AUS – Better Ageing Grants with its key focus being to help inactive Australians aged 65 and older to move more often and become more socially connected.

With an ageing population and only one quarter of Australians over 65 meeting the national physical activity guidelines of 30 minutes activity per day, the ERAA project supports the Government’s National Sport Plan’s (Sport 2030) focus on movement for life and securing healthier, happier futures for all.

Hobson-Powell adds “the Exercise Right for Active Ageing classes are open to inactive older Australians over the age of 65 years (with a pre-screening assessment required to be completed prior to commencing the classes).”

Each class will be run by a university qualified Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) or Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) and will be delivered either at a physical facility or via an approved Telehealth provider.

ESSA outlines the experience of one of the first participants, “Therese was one of the first participants to complete the program, and said the classes really helped to get her moving again after not having done any exercise for over six months.

Therese told ESSA that she “just enjoyed being there. I enjoyed being with other women in my own age group. Everybody has been very friendly, and everything’s been very laid back and easy.”

There are currently more than 160 authorised providers delivering subsidised classes all around Australia, with new providers being added to this directory regularly.

ESSA are encouraging older Australians to locate an ERAA class near them to start reaping the benefits of exercise on their physical and mental health.

For more information on the Exercise Right for Active Ageing project, please go to https://exerciseright.com.au/betterageing/