Over-65s limbering up
New program aims to get older people more active
OVER-65s are feeling positive about a new $22.9 million Australian Government program established to help them become more active.
The number of Australians aged 65 and over is projected to more than double in the next 40 years to nearly nine million, representing more than 20 per cent of the population.
Sport Australia CEO Kate Palmer said that made it vital for sport and fitness providers to be adaptable and offer more options and products for older Australians, and the Move It Aus – Better Ageing program was an important step towards achieving that.
Sport Australia’s AusPlay research shows that although overall physical activity levels drop as we age, the main motivations to be active remain almost the same for over-65s – physical health and fitness (77.4 per cent); fun/enjoyment (39.4 per cent) and social reasons (26.1 per cent).
At Burleigh Heads Bowls Club, Gail Rottier, 71, and Margaret Krall, 72, agreed that “social contact, mental stimulation and physical fitness … to a level”, were all part of enjoyment of the game.
Gail has been playing for about four years, and Margaret for just 18 months.
“I moved up here and needed to do something, and it’s the best thing I ever did,” Gail said.
But a drink at the club and time with friends was all part of the fun. “Just because you get older doesn’t mean you have to give up on everything!” the pair laughed.
At 57, Amanda Edwards doesn’t fit the over-65s target group, but a health issue forced her to stop working, changing her friendship group, energy levels and general approach to life.
She was keen to point out that taking up bowls four years ago, using an extension arm so she doesn’t have to bend, had lifted her spirits enormously.
It’s an interesting point, given that Sport Australia’s research found that among over-65s who didn’t participate in sport or physical activity, poor health and injury was the biggest barrier.
The research also showed a tendency towards what it considered “recreational activities” rather than sport. The most popular activities included walking (60.9 per cent), fitness/gym (27.8 per cent), swimming (10.8 per cent), golf (9.8 per cent), cycling (7.3 per cent) and bowls (4.6 per cent).
Victoria University sport participation expert Associate Professor Dr Rochelle Eime said her research showed that only 1.2 per cent of Australians aged 50–54, and less than 0.5 per cent of over-55s, played sport, compared to 40 per cent of 10-14-year-olds, when participation hits its peak.
Dr Eime said sport clubs and organisations rarely focused on older adults, and although physical activity in later life was proven to have significant health and social benefits, older Australians weren’t getting the message – or at least not
‘‘ I MOVED UP HERE AND NEEDED TO DO SOMETHING, AND IT’S THE BEST THING I EVER DID. GAIL ROTTIER
acting on it.
Sport Australia’s new sport strategy, Sport 2030, is a 12year plan highlighting for the first time the idea that national sport policy must focus on more than competition sport.
Dr Eime said it was critical that the voices of older Australians were not ignored in this new plan. Applications for grants for sport and physical activity providers close on October 31. Guidelines are available at sportaus.gov.au/ betterageing.