Popular program continuing to get residents active

Published on 12 February 2021

A Gannawarra Shire Council-led initiative that aims to improve the overall health and wellbeing of residents aged 65 years and older, particularly those less active, continues to grow in popularity.

Launched in late 2019, the Gannawarra – Active at Any Age! Program saw Council partner with local recreation providers to run come and try sessions for residents, with the initiative paused in March 2020 following the implementation of COVID-19 social distancing measures.

The easing of these measures in the past few months has enabled this popular program to resume, with Council working with local neighbourhood houses to run activities ranging from water aerobics to line dancing.

“Council is pleased to play a role in helping our senior resident keep active, particularly as we begin our community’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“With more than one quarter of the Gannawarra’s residents being aged 65 years and older, it is important our community services find ways to keep this important group of people physically active.

“Providing physical activity opportunities have various benefits for participants, ranging from a reduction of the risks associated with obesity and chronic disease to an increased feeling of being socially connected with their community.”

The Kerang and District Community Centre is assisting with the rollout of the Gannawarra – Active at Any Age! Program, running water exercise classes at the Kerang Exercise Pool.

“Anecdotally, people are really enjoying it and have found it a great way to get moving again post-COVID and post-Christmas,” Kerang and District Community Centre coordinator, Meghan Stewart said.

“Furthermore we’ve had over 60 people enrol across other activities in the program, including Line Dancing, Cross Fit and learning how to use the outdoor exercise equipment.”

For more information regarding activities supported by the Gannawarra – Active at Any Age! Program occurring locally, please contact the Cohuna Neighbourhood House, Kerang and District Community Centre or the Quambatook Community Resource Centre.

The Gannawarra – Active at Any Age! Program is supported by the Federal Government’s Move It AUS Better Ageing Grant.