Arthritis Australia will receive a Move it Aus Better Ageing grant of $1 million to run structured group exercise programs for older Australians to build the confidence they need to be more active.
Minister for Sport, Senator Bridget McKenzie said she was pleased to be able to provide the grant to support Arthritis Australia’s The Joint Movement program.
“This program will help give older Australians the confidence they need to be more active by delivering structured group exercise tailored to an individual’s fitness and ability,” she said.
In welcoming the grant Arthritis Australia CEO, Mr Andrew Mills, said many older people, especially those with arthritis, were reluctant to be more active for fear of injury or of making their arthritis worse.
“But keeping active is one of the best ways to both prevent and manage arthritis, as well as to improve overall health and wellbeing,” he said.
Once it is in place, The Joint Movement will offer strength training and warm water-based exercise programs to suit the different needs and fitness levels of participants.
“The program will help to remove the fear factor that holds many older people back from being more physically active and allow them to experience the benefits that being more active can make to their overall health and wellbeing,” Mr Mills said.
“In addition, the group-based exercise classes will provide a fun and safe environment to meet other people.”
Minister McKenzie said Australians were living longer and the Move It Aus Better Ageing program was an important step in helping older Australians to get the most out of their senior years.
