NEARLY three-quarters of Australian seniors - almost 2.9 million - are not getting enough exercise.
Only 27 per cent of Australians over 65 meet the recommended 30 minutes activity per day, according to government figures.
So in a bid to get more Aussies aged 65 and over moving, the National Heart Foundation has launched a new walking initiative.
The Walk Wise program has been developed off the back of a $1 million government grant from the Sport Australia Move It AUS Better Ageing program.
This aims to boost physical activity rates among older Australians through walking, either independently or as part of a group.
The program will be rolled out over two years and advocate for walk-friendly streets and communities as well as educating older Australians about the benefits of physical activity.
The scheme will also aim to get more older residents involved in the Heart Foundation Walking program.
The Heart Foundation's director of active living, Adjunct Professor Trevor Shilton, said physical activity can provide amazing health benefits to older Australians.
"Physical activity directly tackles the chronic diseases that are overwhelmingly the biggest issue for ageing Australians: heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers and poor mental health," he said.
"Research tells us that if the environment is conducive to physical activity; if people are made aware of the benefits; and if you give them a ready-made group activity, there is a much greater chance they'll get moving.
If it were a pill, we'd be encouraging every Australian 65 and over to take it daily.
"That's why we have designed a three-prong approach for the Walk Wise program, and why we think it will be a great success."
The $1 million grant was part of $22.9 million Move It AUS Better Ageing grants handed out to 27 organisations by Sport Australia.
Sport Australia chief executive Kate Palmer said: "We know there's a number of Australians who can benefit from the Better Ageing program, but can see from research there's a large number who are missing out due to barriers such as perceptions of ability and understanding what is available to them.
"While it's important to keep active with daily activities, we're encouraging elderly Australians to understand the ongoing physical and mental benefits of regular group activity, given the added social benefits.
"Programs like The National Heart Foundation's Walk Wiseis going to be a great example of how to keep fit and healthy while also engaging with the local community."
Find out more from the Heart Foundation, heartfoundation.org.au
Geraldine Cardozo
Features Editor at The Senior.
Features Editor at The Senior.
