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May 5

Use it or lose it: Website helps older people stay active at home – News – The University of Sydney

Under current circumstances, older people are missing out on their weekly round of golf, bowls or exercise classes, which over a sustained period of time could be really detrimental, said Associate Professor Said.

Even if you werent doing a regular exercise program before the restrictions, you are likely to be less physically active as you will be missing a lot of incidental exercise.This could be a great time to start a regular exercise program.

The website, accessible via desktop computer or mobile, provides information and instructional videos at three different levels of function and fitness, as well as tips on staying motivated and safe while exercising at home.

Tips include having someone or a phone nearby when exercising, listening to your body and the importance of following up on pain or discomfort, and resuming activity and exercise more slowly after minor illnesses like colds.

Australian guidelinesrecommend all older people be active every day, doing a range of physical activities that incorporate fitness, strength, balance and flexibility.

A 2019Cochrane reviewled by Professor Cathie Sherrington, combining 108 randomised clinical trials, found strong evidence supporting the important role of exercise in falls prevention.

Clinical physiotherapist Rik Dawson, a Director of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and part of the website development team, said many of his patients are asking for safe ways to exercise at home.

This website gives them the exercise advice they need with easy to follow videos, Mr Dawson said. It gives them the choice to start with some simple exercise programs and then allows them to choose more challenging programs to build up their strength and balance.

The website also includes motivation from older adults who have mastered staying active during the pandemic, including 82-year-old Judy who completes a daily home exercise program, as well as walks with her carer using her walking frame.

Your attitude will determine how well you do, so try to keep positive, avoid focussing on health problems or discussing them too much and know that you can improve, said Judy. It might not be a lot but if you can get up and down, get dressed and get in and out of cars and move in bed more efficiently you will enjoy the difference.

The Safe Exercise at Home website was developed by physiotherapists from across Australia with clinical and academic expertise. The collaboration includes the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University, Curtin University, University of South Australia, University of Queensland and University of Tasmania in partnership with the National Ageing Research Institute, Sydney Local Health District (NSW), Western Health (VIC) and Peninsula Health (VIC). The website is endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

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Use it or lose it: Website helps older people stay active at home - News - The University of Sydney

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