Fresh strategies for helping older Australians stay active every day

Across Australia, communities are rethinking what it means to support older adults in staying physically active. With more than one in five Australians now aged sixty or over, the conversation about movement, wellness and ageing is shifting from clinical advice to lived, everyday practice. Local councils, community groups and health providers are working together to design programs that feel welcoming rather than prescriptive, recognising that seniors want connection as much as they want exercise. This growing focus on creative, community-led approaches was a central theme at the 2023 APEC Conference on Promoting Community-based Non-Communicable Diseases Integrated Care Model, where delegates shared ideas from across the Asia-Pacific region.

The session on senior physical activity highlighted how movement plays a quiet but powerful role in preventing and managing conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Speakers pointed out that older adults who engage in regular, moderate activity often experience better sleep, sharper cognition and steadier mood. The challenge, as several presenters noted, lies in reaching people who have never seen themselves as sporty or who face barriers like cost, transport or chronic pain. By weaving physical activity into social rituals and familiar spaces, Australian programs are finding clever ways to invite participation without anyone feeling singled out.

Walking groups and outdoor programs that bring people together

Walking remains one of the most accessible forms of movement, and Australian communities have embraced it with characteristic enthusiasm. From the coastal paths of Sydney's Bondi to the riverside trails along Melbourne's Yarra, organised walking groups have become social anchors for retirees. Many local councils now publish free schedules, and some pair these walks with morning tea at a nearby café, turning exercise into an occasion rather than a chore. The phrase "just chucking on the joggers" is common in suburban newsletters, reflecting the casual approach that makes regular participation feel doable.

In regional areas, walking clubs often serve another purpose: they help older people stay connected to neighbours and reduce the isolation that can creep into later life. The Country Women's Association and Probus clubs have been quick to adopt walking meet-ups, sometimes combining them with birdwatching or gentle photography. Research shared at the conference showed that older adults who walk in groups are more likely to stick with the habit than those who exercise alone, partly because the social element provides gentle accountability. For those planning to attend future events, information about the venue and surrounding walking routes is available through the conference location page.

Using technology to make movement more engaging

Digital tools are reshaping how older Australians approach physical activity, and the change is happening faster than many expected. Wearable devices, simple smartphone apps and even television-based exercise programs are helping seniors track steps, follow guided routines and stay motivated. Heart Foundation Australia has partnered with several community organisations to offer subsidised fitness trackers, recognising that real-time feedback can encourage older adults to move more during the day. Some aged care providers now incorporate tablets into group sessions, streaming tai chi or seated yoga from popular instructors.

The key, as several conference delegates observed, is choosing technology that feels approachable rather than intimidating. Voice-activated assistants have proven particularly useful for seniors who find touchscreens fiddly, allowing them to start a workout video or play calming music with a simple command. Virtual classes also open up possibilities for people living in remote parts of Queensland or Western Australia, where access to in-person programs can be limited. By blending technology with human support, communities can offer a hybrid model that suits a wide range of abilities and preferences.

Cultural connection through dance and traditional movement

Movement has always been tied to culture, and many communities are rediscovering traditional dance forms as a way to keep seniors active. From Greek and Italian social dances held in Melbourne's inner suburbs to Indigenous-led movement sessions in the Top End, these activities combine physical benefits with cultural pride. Older participants often report feeling lighter, happier and more connected after a session, even when the dance is gentle or seated. As a delegate put it during the discussion, movement is memory, and inviting seniors to revisit familiar rhythms can spark joy as well as improve balance.

Community centres and multicultural organisations are increasingly offering weekly dance programs, sometimes followed by a shared lunch or cup of tea. In suburbs like Fairfield or Marrickville, dance groups welcome older residents from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to share their traditions while learning from others. These gatherings also help combat loneliness, which has been linked to a higher risk of chronic disease. By framing exercise as cultural celebration, organisers are removing the awkwardness that some older adults feel about joining a fitness class.

Strength and balance training for everyday confidence

Falls remain a major health concern for older Australians, and strength plus balance training has emerged as a frontline defence. Many community health centres now run twice-weekly classes that focus on leg strength, core stability and gentle resistance work, often using resistance bands, light weights or even household items. Participants are encouraged to practise movements that mimic daily activities, such as rising from a chair or reaching for a shelf, which makes the training feel practical rather than abstract. Over time, these exercises help older adults feel steadier on their feet and more confident when navigating busy streets, uneven footpaths or local shopping centres.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has highlighted the value of embedding balance training into routine care, encouraging GPs to write simple exercise prescriptions during consultations. Local pharmacies, including chains like Chemist Warehouse, sometimes display posters about nearby classes, helping to normalise strength work for older shoppers. Conference presentations also stressed the importance of starting slow and progressing gradually, particularly for those who have not exercised in years. With the right guidance, even small gains in muscle strength can translate into greater freedom at home and out in the neighbourhood.

Hydrotherapy and gentle exercise in water

For older adults living with arthritis, joint pain or recent surgery, water-based exercise offers a welcome alternative to gym-based activity. Hydrotherapy pools, often found in public hospitals, community health hubs or retirement villages, allow seniors to move with less strain on their joints while still building strength and cardiovascular fitness. The warmth of the water can soothe stiff muscles, making movement feel more comfortable and less daunting. Across cities like Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, hydrotherapy programs are in high demand, and waiting lists are common.

Many aquatic centres now offer seniors-only sessions, complete with easy-access steps, non-slip surfaces and chairs placed in shallow areas for seated exercises. Participants often comment that being in the water feels freeing, especially for those who struggle with weight-bearing activities on land. Beyond the physical benefits, hydrotherapy classes tend to be socially warm, with regulars catching up before and after sessions. This combination of gentle movement and friendly conversation supports both body and mood, two factors that are closely tied to long-term health.

Building healthcare partnerships that reach older adults

When health services, councils and community organisations work together, physical activity promotion becomes far more effective. The conference featured several case studies showing how partnerships between physiotherapists, dietitians, nurses and local trainers can create smoother pathways for older adults. Social prescribing, a model that allows GPs to refer patients to community activities rather than medication alone, has gained real traction in Australia. Under this approach, a senior visiting the doctor for hypertension might be directed to a gentle exercise group at the local bowls club or RSL, supported by a follow-up phone call to check how they are going.

Initiatives like Live Life Get Active and Bluearth have shown how cross-sector collaboration can reach people who might otherwise remain inactive. Funding often comes from a blend of federal programs, state health budgets and private sponsorships, allowing programs to be offered at low or no cost. Conference delegates were reminded that partnerships require patience and clear communication, but the payoff is significant: older adults gain trusted entry points into movement that feel relevant to their lives. For deeper exploration of how cardiovascular-focused partnerships operate, the article on cross-sector collaboration offers practical insights from the field.

Adapting programs for diverse abilities and backgrounds

Australia's older population is wonderfully diverse, and effective physical activity programs reflect that reality. Communities across the country are adapting sessions for seniors with dementia, vision impairment, hearing loss or mobility challenges, as well as for those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Simple adjustments, such as slower pacing, larger printed instructions or bilingual facilitators, can make a meaningful difference. In some aged care facilities, music therapy and gentle dance are used alongside seated exercise to engage residents living with cognitive decline.

The role of family carers should not be overlooked, and many programs now welcome older adults together with their partners or adult children. This intergenerational angle can be especially powerful in migrant communities, where older relatives may rely on younger family members for transport and encouragement. By designing inclusive, flexible activities, service providers are helping more seniors experience the joy of movement regardless of their starting point. These thoughtful adaptations were praised at the conference as a key ingredient in any sustainable community program.

If you would like to keep exploring the work shared at the 2023 APEC gathering, visit the official conference website to access session recordings, downloadable materials and details about upcoming community initiatives.