Exercise classes a boon for older women

Two local Aboriginal women are hailing the physical and mental health benefits of being active after joining an exercise group on the Central Coast.

Aunty Helen, a Kamilaroi woman from the Peninsula, and Aunty Maureen, a Biripi and Worimi woman from Kincumber, both signed up for exercise classes with Garawa Aboriginal Corporation after struggling with their physical and mental health.

The classes are run by experienced instructor Lisa Buechel.

“I used to be very active up until a couple of years ago when I had a fall and fractured my pelvis and femur,” Aunty Helen, the 74-year-old great grandmother of 13, said.

“I couldn’t walk at first, and I became too scared to get in the car, or get out and do things like go shopping, even with my walker.

“I started getting active again by doing physiotherapy at hospital and then at home, but I wanted to get out there and do more.

“The classes are great.

“Our instructor, Lisa, knows our capacity and makes us feel relaxed and at ease.

“She takes the time to interact with us not just as a group, but individually.

“Now I’m much more confident and mobile.

“I can get in the car and go to the shops again.

“I feel like I have my independence back.

“The group aspect gets us socialising and doing things together too.

“We go for walks and lunches, and have a little yarn.”

Aunty Maureen has also been attending the classes, which are held fortnightly at Ettalong Senior Citizens Club as part of Garawa’s Elders Know Your Rights workshops.

“I’d struggled with my physical and mental health for a while and had an unsuccessful hip replacement in 2017,” the 75-year-old grandmother of 10 said.

“The hospital advised me to do some exercising, so I did a 10-week course at Woy Woy Hospital.

“The exercises made me feel stronger, so I wanted to continue being active afterwards.

“When I discovered the Garawa workshops they were perfect, as I find it easier to commit to group activities.

“Lisa is very knowledgeable in age-appropriate exercises.

“She explains exactly how each exercise helps, and she shows how you can apply it to everyday situations, like if you need to reach for something, this is how you do it, or how you can stand on your toes at the kitchen sink to strengthen your calf muscles.

“It’s also very social.

“We have group activities, a bit like a ladies day, which have really helped with my mental health.

“Since going to the classes, I’m much more active, I feel better, and I sleep better too.

“For anyone who’s thinking about joining an exercise group, it’s like the Nike slogan says, just do it.”

The Elders Know Your Rights workshops offer support in the Closing the Gap target areas of digital inclusion and health and wellbeing, with advice and information workshops, as well as physical activity classes.

Samantha Hingerty, a health promotion officer at Central Coast Local Health District, says there are plenty of activities on the Coast to help older people stay active and on their feet.

“Being active improves muscle strength and balance, reducing our risk of falls, and helping us to live independently as we get older,” she said.

“It’s never too late to start exercising.

“No matter what our age, the benefits for our physical and mental health are amazing – just ask Aunty Helen and Aunty Maureen.

“There are heaps of exercise classes and programs available across the Central Coast and online that are suitable for all abilities, from walking groups to dancing and yoga, so find one that’s right for you, and get moving today.”

To find an exercise program near you, visit the Active and Healthy website at activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au or call Central Coast Health Promotion Service on 4320 9700.