What is the secret to healthy aging?
An Australian-first study that aims to address the sedentary lifestyle of older adults has examined what people can do to ensure healthier aging.
And the key could be as simple as joining in group exercise, the study Exercise Right for Active Ageing study (ERAA): Participation in community-based exercise classes by older Australian during the COVID-19 pandemic has found.
In a country where 58% of seniors are at risk of an inactive lifestyle, Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) conducted research on 6600 seniors. The study, in collaboration with Monash University, highlighted the effectiveness of affordable and easily accessible group exercises in encouraging older adults to adopt a more active and healthier way of living.
Funded by a Better Ageing grant, supported by the Australian Sports Commission and managed by Sport Australia, the study addresses the critical issues of time constraints, financial burdens and access to suitable exercise options to redefine how Australians should perceive and approach active aging.
“Our study reveals a critical need for intervention in the sedentary habits of older Australians. It’s not merely a health concern; it’s a call to action,” said Dr Brendan Joss, ESSA President.
“One demonstrated solution lies in embracing group exercise programs led by experts in exercise (exercise physiologists and exercise scientists), making sure health and wellbeing benefits are attainable for all.
“This research signals a pivotal moment in the way we approach senior health, urging a collective shift towards proactive engagement and redefining the golden years.”
The study, which ran throughout 2020–2021, where older Australians participated in classes over 12 group sessions, found that higher class attendance was associated with yoga, flexibility, mobility classes, free trials and online classes.
Of the participants included in the primary analysis, 77% were women, aged between 65 and 74 years of age, while 59% resided in major cities and reported two or more health conditions. The highest number of participants were from Queensland and NSW.
“Participants who attended any of the classes offered, and completed follow-up testing, reported an increase in physical activity, equivalent to more than 100 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, almost one additional active day per week and a half-hour reduction in daily sitting time,” Joss said.
“The findings from the study concluded that participation in the program boosted overall physical activity levels, and more encouragingly, there was additional time spent engaging in physical activity, beyond time spent in classes.
“University trained and accredited exercise professionals are leading the way in motivating older Australians to live a healthy and active life.”
