Older But Stronger

• Arthritis or Osteoporosis
• Back or Neck pain
• Join Replacement
• Shortness of breath easily
• Difficulty Walking or Balancing
• Use a walking aid

The “Older but Stronger” (OBS) program was set up with funding from Vic Health’s Active for Life Community Grants Scheme in 2000 to establish an exercise class at the local gym, catering for frail elderly. The aim was to target socially isolated frail elderly with physical conditions, balance problems, or medical conditions, which limited their participation in safe, effective, regular exercise.

Procedures were established so a physiotherapist could asses each client individually, educate the fitness instructor about specific requirements, and demonstrate how they could be catered for in the group setting. This physiotherapist was able to assist the gym in modifying equipment used, and introduce alternative functional activities to address areas of specific needs particular to this population.

The pilot program involved 12 weeks of physiotherapy attendance/supervision to address and individual problem clients were experiencing and ensure their program developed safely and according to their needs.

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