Lifecare stories: Improving connection and fitness

Movement and exercise can benefit bodies of all ages, shapes and sizes.

It can improve all aspects of your health, including your muscles, bones and joints, but also can promote social connection and improves wellbeing.

It’s the closest thing we have to an anti-aging pill!

In the suburb of Claremont, located in Perth’s inner west, the local Lifecare team have been running regular exercise classes for older Australians.

For Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Anthony McEvoy, these classes have been a core part of his practice for the least 17 years.

“It’s a fantastic way to keep people moving, keep them socialising, working the environment with their friends and colleagues, and keeping their movement up” Anthony said.

In this time, he’s seen the benefits and improved quality of life from being a part of this community.

“The sense of community, actually providing something to the group and actually being involved in their lives weekly” Anthony added.

Regular movement and/or exercise is highly beneficial for older Australians, which can actively prevent or delay most of the health issues that come with older age.

Along with helping to increase bone density, it improves strength, balance and flexibility, greatly lowering the risk of falls.

Marion has been enjoying coming to the weekly classes for over five years and she is preparing to celebrate her 95th birthday.

“I enjoy it and I love it” Marion said.

“Everything helps me, exercise is good for your body – exercise is for your body – I’m old and my body needs it.”

Class participant Kate has quickly come to enjoy the classes so much she wishes she could attend them more often.

“I must say that Anthony and Jess made me feel very welcome. They’re very friendly and they really, really take care of the people that come here” she said.

She loves the social connection she gets from the classes, interacting with staff and other participants.

“I find people very, very, very friendly and very welcoming” Kate added.