Six times a week, a large room in the Wonthaggi RSL is transformed into a hub of activity as older people embrace a regime to improve their health and wellbeing as they age.
People from 65 to their early 90s are taking part in the free classes, funded by Gippsland Primary Health Network as part of its early intervention initiative and delivered by MyPhysio Spinal and Sports Injury Clinic, a physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinic based in Wonthaggi.
The classes are so popular there are waiting lists with participants coming from neighbouring towns as well as Wonthaggi. People can choose from three classes, delivered twice a week – the ‘Strong and Stable’ class, the ‘Falls and Prevention’ and ‘Glad’ class for people with osteoarthritis, hip and knee problems.
Early intervention is a national PHN priority area and Gippsland PHN has received funding from the Australian Department of Health and Ageing to support senior Australians to live at home for as long as possible with the support of activities and models of care for chronic disease management.
Gippsland PHN Chief Executive Officer, Amanda Proposch said the organisation’s Health Needs Assessment included information relating to the over 65 year population and assisted with defining areas for potential commissioned work.
