Older and Bolder: Top tips for staying active

Mobility, balance and strength are key for older people in maintaining independence and being able to continue the activities they enjoy.

Exercise programs designed for seniors, including aqua aerobics, are helpful as are daily walks and other activities which move the body and stimulate the mind.

There are many options across the Redcliffe Peninsula and plenty of beautiful places to take a stroll.

We popped into the Active Seniors class at Active Sisters’ Margate studio to chat to Angie Barth and Sami Fisher about what they do and how the program is helping participants.

“We teach functional fitness, which includes cardio conditioning, strength and resistance, balance and mobility training. As trainers, we also love to throw in fun warm-up games and dance moves to the sisters’ favourite ‘60s music,” Angie explains.

She says the goal is to help participants ‘train for life’ – working on mobility and balance to maintain their independence.

Sami says exercise is also important in preventing falls, building bone density, and improving heart health, mental health and social connections.

“The ladies who come to these classes then head for a coffee and chat. They always welcome new people, they love the fact it's group fitness, calling themselves ‘twisted sisters’ always laughing and having a good time. These classes have become their own community,” she says.

“We have seen so much improvement over 12 months with the ladies’ overall fitness and confidence.”

Active Seniors classes cater to varying levels of fitness and abilities, modifying exercises to suit participants’ needs.

“No matter your age or ability don't be afraid to start,” Angie says.

“It helps people find new confidence in their abilities and stay independent. Life doesn't have to stop when you hit a certain age,” Sami adds.

We chatted with Robyn, Trish and Donna who have been attending the classes, twice a week, for the past year.

Robyn says: “I needed some exercise. I went through a bad series of illnesses for a while and consequently didn’t get around very much, so lost all the fitness I used to have.

“It’s got me moving a bit better. My balance is really getting better, which is good.

“We all get on pretty well. We have a good time, so it’s nice for us all socially.”

Trish says: “I think our balance was the worst … I find that I’m much better with balance now than I used to be. You’ve got to work on it.

“The boxing part (is also good) … getting the co-ordination. I think improving core strength has been really good for me. There’s lots of advantages.”

Donna says: “I have MS, so it helps to keep my mobility. If I’m not moving, I stop which most people do but it’s worse with MS.

“It is helping keep me on my feet and with my balance. The social aspect is really important for me.”

Her exercise physiologist says her mobility has improved in every aspect by a considerable amount as a result.

“I’ve taken 10 seconds off one of my walks. For me, that was good because I was going backwards,” Donna says. “With MS, it’s very rare to go forward.”

Angie and Sami say they have learnt how to modify exercises to suit someone with MS, since having Donna in their classes.

“I am limited compared to the other ladies, but no one judges, no one cares … they’re all happy to be here and we’re all here for the same reason,” Donna says.

Tips to keep moving

• Join a fitness class or consult a personal trainer

• Give water aerobics a try – it takes pressure off joints

• Do simple exercises at home

• Go for a walk each day or as often as you can