A central west not-for-profit organisation has created a new program to support active ageing in regional NSW which is to be trialled at Charles Sturt University in Orange. 

Since commencing operations out of Charles Sturt’s gyms in Bathurst and Orange in June 2018, Active Living Longer (ALLong) has continued to serve the local community, seizing opportunities that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic with programs delivered online.

Face-to-face sessions resumed when pandemic restrictions were lifted and the need for a program targeting the changes in movement and motor learning with ageing became apparent.

CEO of ALLong, Dr Eevon Stott, explained the new program will commence from Wednesday 10 March and is the brainchild of ALLong exercise science practicum student Mr Matthew Cordery (pictured instructing ALLong participant Penny Colley).

“He may be an undergraduate student with the Charles Sturt School of Exercise Science, Sports and Health but Matthew brings with him 20 years of pedagogical experience and has represented Australia in rowing and mountain bike events,” she said.

“Matthew spent significant time observing and assisting in our group clinics, and we then sat down and unpacked the salient concepts of exercise relevant to active ageing.

“From this we developed a program to support older adults, focusing on developing strength and flexibility at their own pace, because there is overwhelming evidence that older adults derive many health benefits from strength training.”

Mr Cordery said they are excited to be launching this skills-based program at the Charles Sturt gym in Orange.

“Our aim is to give participants the knowledge and skills toolbox to enable them to safely engage in ongoing exercise either in group sessions or in their own space at home,” he said.