• The Charles Sturt University’s Wellness 2 Age program is launching in Albury
• The 10-week program will be run in partnership with Icaria Health
• Initially piloted through Charles Sturt University, the program aims to support healthy ageing in regional communities

A Charles Sturt University-led program supporting the health of older people in regional areas is launching in Albury.

Charles Sturt’s Wellness 2 Age program was designed by Associate Professor Melissa Nott and Dr Kristy Robson in the Three Rivers Department of Rural Health as a 10-week course focused on healthy aging.

Originally piloted within a university setting, the program will now be offered in partnership with Icaria Health in Albury.

Associate Professor Melissa Nott said it was fantastic to see the interest growing for the program to be delivered in a real-world setting.

“The Wellness 2 Age Program is designed for older people living in regional communities to stay healthy and active in an enjoyable, independent way,” she said.

“We focus on individual goals within a group-based setting, and use strategies to support incorporating healthy habits into a person’s home and community, so they can remain living in and contributing to their communities.”

Each weekly 60-minute session starts with a short 10-minute introduction, discussing specific and individualised strategies, followed by the completion of two different activities of 20 minutes each, that challenge both motor and cognitive abilities.

Each activity is designed to simulate skills used in every-day tasks, such as balance, mobility and strength, planning, problem solving, attention and memory.

The session closes with a 10-minute feedback and review discussion.

Icaria Health Operations Manager Ms Angela Sandral said the partnership would make a significant impact on residents’ lives for the better.

“Wellness 2 Age is a fantastic opportunity for people from the local community to engage in a program which supports both physical and cognitive functioning,” she said.

“It will help older people to stay independent and healthier at home for longer which is what we hope to achieve when working with clients in the community.

“The program is an excellent opportunity to improve the wellness of people in our local community and Icaria Health is delighted to work with Charles Sturt in its implementation.”

Albury residents over the age of 60 who are interested in participating or learning more are encouraged to contact wellness2age@csu.edu.au or phone 02 0519246.

The program will run on Thursday mornings at 11:30am starting in mid-late June.

ENDS