If you’re a senior in Caringbah, one of your most important priorities will be your health. And some mild exercise several times a week will keep you out of hospital or the nursing home.

Think about it: Staying fitter for longer means you can downsize to an apartment and live a full life without needing home care or heading to an assisted care facility.

Fall prevention is critical. Overall, people aged 65 or over accounted for 30% of injury cases, with the majority of these being for falls, according to Professor Harrison from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. It isn’t always the fall that’s the danger; it’s now accepted that trauma (of any kind but head trauma in particular) can lead to dementia in the elderly, even in cases where there’s no family history or earlier symptoms.

Benefits of exercise for Sutherland Shire seniors

Studies across the world stress the benefits of some form of exercise, even if that exercise is walking the dog or walking around a shopping centre.

Benefits to you include:

  • Reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes.
  • Improved immune function (so that ‘flu shot can work better).
  • Decreased risk of falls.
  • Improved mental health.
  • Reduced risk of depression (particularly if you exercise with a seniors group).
  • Improved cognitive function and decreased risk of dementia.

Finding fitness in Caringbah

Caringbah and the Sutherland Shire have a substantial population of seniors. Fortunately, they’re well catered to with many exercise options, some of which are free or low-cost classes.

1. Over 60s program Caringbah

This NSW Government program uses gentle weight lifting to get you stronger and strengthen bone density. It’s a beginners’ class and health insurance rebates are available. You’ll find this class at Caringbah Seniors Citizens Centre, 386 Port Hacking Road. Call 9113 1397 for more information.

Visit the Over 60s Caringbah website to see the program.

2. Stepping On fall prevention program Caringbah

This free community-based seniors program aims to reduce its participant’s risk of falling. You’ll get expert advice on fall risk factors, home trip hazards, and learn exercises that will improve leg strength and your balance.

You’ll find this seniors exercise program at Sutherland Hospital, The Kingsway. Give them a call on 1800 823 002 to find out more.

Visit the Stepping On website to see the program.

3. ActiveAge

ActiveAge specialises in exercise classes for the over 50s, with pilates and more advanced classes that will help you improve bone density, muscle mass and posture.

Pilates has demonstrated benefits in the prevention of falls, one of the biggest killers of over 65s. The studio is in Acacia Road, Kirrawee. You can find out more about ActiveAge by calling 9525 3000.

Visit the ActiveAge website for class information.

4. Australian Academy of Tai Chi and Qigong (Sylvania)

In numerous studies, tai chi has been shown to reduce the risk of falls in the robust elderly population. You’ll find Tai Chi classes at the Catholic Church Hall, Tara St (Opposite South Gate) Sylvania. Classes last an hour and cost $15 per visit, and you can get a health fund rebate. Find out more by calling 9797 9355.

Visit the Australian Academy of Tai Chi and Qigong website.

5. YMCA Caringbah

At the Y, the PrYme Movers for over 50s and other classes offer a range of options from yoga and yogalates to “Parkincise”, (that we can only assume is exercise for anyone suffering from Parkinson’s disease) and Pilates. You’ll find the Y at 5 Jacarandah Road Caringbah. For more information on class times and cost, call the team on 9524 1800.

Visit the YMCA Caringbah website for more details.

6. Sutherland Shire Leisure Centres

If you prefer even gentler exercise, the Sutherland Shire Leisure Centres offer aquarobics and more for seniors as well as those undergoing rehab. The Caringbah Centre (at 5-9 Jacaranda Rd, Caringbah) has heated outdoor pools only so if you prefer a little more comfort, the Sutherland Leisure Centre (Rawson Avenue) has indoor and outdoor pools as well as a spa and steam room for after your swim or aqua class. Call the Caringbah centre on 9525 6777 or Sutherland on 8536 9777 to learn more about classes and timetables.

Visit the Sutherland Shire Leisure Centres website.

Can we help with advice on downsizing?

Having navigated the home sale and downsizing process not only for our real estate clients but also for members of our own family, it’s an area in which we’ve amassed a wealth of knowledge. So don’t hesitate to seek out our help – no obligations.

Free downsizers guide

Michael & Rhiff Larkings

As a specialist team, focused on Caringbah South and the surrounding suburbs, we've been providing real estate services for over 20 years. With numerous real estate awards to our name, we're in the top echelon of licensed real estate agents in the Sutherland Shire. We regularly set new street, suburb and area sales records. Most importantly, we understand that real estate is a ‘people’ business where the development of relationships and trust, with both our clients and purchasers, is vital to achieving your all-important sales result.

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Caringbah 2229 NSW Australia