Exercise and physical activity for older people
On-demand recorded 5 Jul 2023
Keeping active and physically well is important for healthy ageing. A slight increase in physical activity each day can improve health and wellbeing and reduce the risk of health issues, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, bone and joint problems, heart disease and some cancers.
More than one in three general practice encounters are with older people aged 65 years and over. The number of older people aged 65 years and over in Australia is expected to more than double in the coming years.
The Get Healthy Service provides free health coaching calls from University qualified exercise physiologists and dietitians who can support patients to become more physically active.
Learning outcomes
- Discuss evidence that supports exercise for older people and improved health outcomes
- Summarise the important role of exercise for older adults
- Summarise the exercise guidelines for older Australians (65 years and older) and the particular role exercise plays in preventing falls in older age
- Describe how the Get Healthy Service can support older adults and how to refer patients.
Speakers
Dr Linda Mann
MBBS, FRACGP, DipRANZCOG, BScMED
Dr Mann is a Fellow of the RACGP and member of the RACGP Antenatal and Postnatal Care Network. Linda has both local and international medical experience, especially in genetics and woman’s health. Linda is a GP representative on various national and local government committees and is an experienced medical educator.
Professor Anne Tiedemann
Professor of Physical Activity and Health in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
Anne Tiedemann, PhD, is Professor of Physical Activity and Health in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Her research aims to bridge the gap between the compelling evidence of the importance of physical activity for promoting health and the low rates of participation across the population, particularly in middle to older age.