Australians now have one of the world’s longest life expectancies. The current life expectancy is 81.4 years. Currently, there are some 2.8 million Australians – about 13 per cent of the population – aged 65 and over. This number is expected to triple in 40 years, said Hon Justine Elliot, Minister for Ageing.

As a result released this month for the first time by the Australia Government was the physical activity recommendations specifically for older Australians. The recommendations cater for all levels of health and ability, be they living at home or in an aged care home.

Under the new recommendations, older Australians are urged to accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, as a slight increase in activity can make a difference to a person’s overall health and wellbeing.

“The aim of the recommendations is to raise awareness of older Australians’ special physical activity needs - such as balance, mobility and strength training,” Mrs Elliot said.

The new physical activity recommendations include that older Australians: 

• Should do some form of physical activity – no matter what their age, weight, health problems or abilities;
• Should accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all days; 
• Should be active every day in as many ways as possible, doing a range of physical activities that incorporate fitness, strength, balance and flexibility; and;
• Who have stopped physical activity, or who are starting a new physical activity, should start at a level that is easily manageable and gradually build up the recommended.

The Choose Health: Be Active booklet outlines these points and offers helpful tips and advice on how older people can engage in moderate activity to improve their lives and health. This booklet can be downloaded from Australian Government Website.  

Physical activity in older people is vital for prevention and/or management of chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and many others.