Page 9 - RPA May 2020

SUBSIDISED EXERCISE CLASSES
FOR OVER 65S
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is now delivering more than 250 discounted group exercise classes for older Australians weekly through the ‘Exercise Right for Active Ageing’ (ERAA) project.
“The ERAA project aims to deliver affordable, subsidised exercise classes to Australians over the age of 65, led by university qualified professionals: accredited exercise physiologists and accredited exercise scientists,” ESSA CEO Anita Hobson-Powell said.
“This project will be a game changer in accelerating older Australians’ understanding of the benefits of active
ageing and the role exercise plays in maintaining and improving their health and independence.”
With an ageing population and only one quarter of Australians over 65 meeting the national physical activity guidelines of 30 minutes activity per day, the ERAA project supports the Government’s National Sport Plan’s (Sport 2030) focus on movement for life and securing healthier, happier futures for all.
Ms Hobson-Powell says pre-screening assessment is required to be completed before participants begin the classes.
Classes will be delivered either at a physical facility or via an approved telehealth provider.
More than 160 authorised providers deliver subsidised classes around Australia. To access the directory of providers, visit: exerciseright.com.au/ betterageing-classes/
Older Australians are invited to locate an ERAA class near them to begin reaping the benefits of exercise for their physical and mental health.
For more information on the ERAA project, visit: exerciseright.com.au/ betterageing.
INDUSTRY UPDATES 7
For more information on this session, download the APP2020 program at appconference.com.
APP2020 will be held March 19-22 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre.
confidence if they want to secure their customers.
“Consumers can buy goods whenever they want and wherever they are. Businesses will have to fight for consumer attention in today’s globalised business environment.”
Encouragingly, Mr James’ 2020 outlook for the pharmacy industry is positive.
“We share the Reserve Bank’s optimism,” he said. “While there are still plenty of challenges, we expect economic growth to lift over the year.”
ENCOURAGING KIDS TO KEEP MOVING
With the school year now in full swing, Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is encouraging parents to introduce positive exercise habits
in children.
“As children start up school life
once more, it’s an excellent chance for them to participate in structured school physical activity,” ESSA CEO Anita Hobson-Powell said. “However, statistics show that this exercise is not reflected on the home front and our children are still not moving enough.
“While over two-thirds of Australian children participate in organised out-of-school sport, less than 30 per cent meet the daily physical activity recommendations. Our children need to be more active for the sake of their own futures, and parents are in
a perfect position to encourage this healthy behaviour.”
ESSA’s top tips for parents to include more movement into daily life:
• Organised sport. Encourage
and develop your child’s skills through an organised sport such as soccer, tennis or gymnastics. Contact your local sporting club to find out more about costs, timings and requirements.
• Access local facilities. Many local councils have excellent lists of walking tracks, cycling routes, parks and recreation locations. Make the most of the free equipment and locations to keep your family active.
• Plan. Make a family planner that includes set ‘activity’ times, eg, family bike rides, park runs, nature
walks. Planning will help the whole family set dedicated time aside
to move.
• Active transport. Active transport to and from school is an excellent way to introduce more activity into both your own and your child’s day. It’s as simple as parking a little further from school and walking for pick-ups and drop-offs.
• Seek professional advice. If your child is living with a chronic condition or a disability, refer to an accredited exercise physiologist who can assist in developing a physical activity plan to suit their individual needs.
For more information, or to find an accredited exercise physiologist, visit: essa.org.au/find-aep.
RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • MAR 2020