They have completed their training to assist other seniors to discover the benefits of the new Seniors’ Exercise Park at Thomas Street Reserve in Hampton.
At the Champions launch event Bayside Mayor, Cr Alex del Porto said that the program will go a long way in creating social interaction and participation in community life.
“Since February, the Champions have been onsite here every Friday morning at 9:30am to welcome others and encourage them to enjoy being active outdoors.
“This is a truly fantastic program and we’re already getting great feedback from the community and enquiries from local community health services looking to run classes at the seniors exercise area.”
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Ageing Research Institute (NARI) has taught the ‘champions’ to use the equipment safely and effectively to instruct others.
The equipment is designed to help maintain flexibility and balance and while the basic exercises may look simple, the champions can make them more challenging as a user’s confidence increases.
ENJOY Project lead at NARI – Professor Pazit Levinger said it was great to see exercise parks becoming more widely available to older people in our communities.
“Creating outdoor spaces that are inclusive and accessible provides vital opportunities for older adults to engage in physical activity and social interaction, both of which are central to healthy ageing and older people’s mental health.”
“Outdoor exercise has been shown to improve mood and self-esteem in older adults, and can also reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Having local governments get behind this project and show their commitment to the health and wellbeing of older people has been essential.”
If you are a senior looking for some guidance and good company our Champions would love you to drop-in to the weekly Friday session between 9.30 and 11am.
If you’re keen to get started now, each piece of equipment has a QR code that you can scan to watch videos on recommended exercises. We also have a printable flyer you can take to the park.
