BARELY a day goes by that retiree Pat Green doesn’t go on her 25 minute walk.
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Between weekly line dancing and exercise classes at The Grange, the 84-year-old clocks up at least five hours of exercise a week.
Ms Green joins a growing number of Australians aged 65 years and above who are becoming more physically active.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the rate of those in that age bracket who exercised increased by 5 per cent from 2012 to 2015.
The rate of older people living who need assistance or were living with a disability had also decreased, the ABS reported.
We’ve all been acquainted with people who haven’t exercised and have problems like falling … I want to be independent and as fit as I can.
- Jan Marsh
Ms Green finds a weekly stretch and cardio class at The Grange gives her extra peace of mind.
“It keeps you flexible for much longer,” she said.
“I don’t worry about falling, but I certainly try and prevent it by keeping supple and keeping balance and strength, which is inclined to go as you get older.”
Jan Marsh, 74, also attends the class alongside aqua aerobics and tai chi sessions.
Ms Marsh said more older people were exercising because the quality of life benefits were so well known.
“We’ve all been acquainted with people who haven’t exercised and have problems like falling a lot more often,” she said.
“I don’t want to be in that position, I want to be independent and as fit as I can.”
Oasis Aquatic Centre manager Maurice Eams said there had been a marked increase in older people accessing the pool in the past 18 months.
Some came to the centre on their motorised scooters and one 86-year-old man walked from home to swim laps everyday, Mr Eams said.
Oasis now caters to its older clientele by offering two Active Ageing classes – a land-based workout focusing on strength and balance, and a water session aimed at improving cardiovascular health.
Many who went to the classes stayed around for a chat in the cafe afterwards, Mr Eams said. “People realise the more you do now, the more you will be able to do later,” he said.
“If you don’t use it you lose it.”