• CSU ALLong exercise program for over-50s helps communities get healthier
• Program uses research and education to empower participants to be healthier

Residents of Orange who are aged 50 years and more can benefit from the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Active Living Longer (ALLong) program when it extends to CSU in Orange.

This follows a successful grant application to NSW Health by CSU School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health academics Dr Jayden Hunter and Dr Eevon Stott.

The ALLong program aims to help adults aged 50 years and over to enjoy a long-term active lifestyle and extended years of independence.

Dr Eevon Stott, adjunct research fellow in the CSU School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health in Bathurst, credits the success of the program, which launched last July in Bathurst, to the professionalism of the staff and students of the School.

“We draw together research and education to empower the community to get healthier,” Dr Stott said.

The program has attracted more than 60 people to the CSU gymnasium in Bathurst and their feedback is positive.

Mrs Val Stuart, who has been participating since last August, is full of praise for the program.

“I attend once a week and feel much stronger overall. When I mentioned that I was unable to attend twice weekly, Eevon insisted that I should continue with my weekly game of golf,” she said.

Dr Stott said, “The gym is a safe and supportive environment, and through listening to our participants, we have established a routine that suits the needs of over-50s.

“Participants in the group gym program can also opt to participate in research comprising physical, physiological, balance, and wellbeing measures.

“The research acts as a checkpoint for the participants to track their progress over time,” Dr Stott said.

Due to the size of the gym at CSU in Orange, participant places in the ALLong program are limited. Participants pay a small fee to attend.