Staying active as we grow older is an important part of being healthy and increasing our sense of feeling well and full of energy.

Staying active helps:

• Keep our heart healthy and strong
• Keep us fit and able to move with ease
• Improve our balance and muscle strength
• Make everyday living easier allowing us to do the things we love

We offer a range of healthy ageing programs to support older adults.

Active and Healthy

Information for older Australians, health professionals and exercise program providers.

As we get older, healthy eating and being active can help us stay independent and have better health. Find helpful information and exercise programs to support healthy ageing for people living in NSW.
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Stepping on Program

Stepping On is a seven-week program designed for people who are at risk of a fall or have had a fall in the last year.
 

This falls prevention program is evidence-based and proven to reduce falls in older people living in the community. The program is offered in the Inner West, Canada Bay, Strathfield, Burwood and Canterbury Local Government Areas of Sydney.

Who is the program for

People over 65 years of age who are living at home and at risk of a fall, or have had a fall in the past year.

Please note, this program is not suitable for people with memory problems, certain progressive neurological disorders or people who are totally dependent on a walking frame.

Topics and inclusions

• Strength and balance exercises.
• Expert guest speakers who will talk to range of specific topics such as medication, vision and safe footwear.
• Discussion and action planning.
• Includes homework – for example incorporating program learning into daily activities.

How to sign up

Complete our registration form to sign up for Stepping On.

Community members can also call 02 9515 9055 to complete their registration over the phone.

The phone line will support English and non-English registrations, through connecting with the Translating and Interpreting Service.

For more information, contact our team at SLHD-Heal@health.nsw.gov.au

In language Stepping On

In Sydney Local Health District, we offer the Stepping On program in a range of languages for our culturally and linguistically diverse communities. 

To sign up for one of our in language programs, contact the Diversity Programs and Strategy Hub team at SLHD-DiversityHub@health.nsw.gov.au or call 02 9515 1234.

Chronic Pain Management Program

The Chronic Pain Management Program helps participants understand and manage chronic pain.

It aims to reduce the impact of chronic pain, enhance quality of life and improve emotional wellbeing through learning self-management skills.

The group sessions are delivered in three priority languages including Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese and are held weekly for six consecutive weeks with a maximum of 10 people.

Topics covered

During this program, we discuss:

• Stress management
• Problem solving when pain increases
• Sleeping problems
• Relaxation, exercise, and nutrition
• Communication skills

Who is the program for?

The Chronic Pain Management Program is for people aged 18 years and over who experience low, moderate or complex pain.

The program has been developed by NSW Agency for Clinical Integration and Sydney Local Health District.

To find out more, or to sign up, contact us at SLHD-DiversityHub@health.nsw.gov.au

Nutrition and Healthy Eating Education Sessions

Our Diversity Programs and Strategy Hub team delivers culturally tailored nutrition group education sessions which aim to improve nutrition knowledge and behaviours among our diverse communities. 

Older adults are at greater risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and health conditions related to changes in muscle and bone mass, such as osteoporosis.

Good nutrition across the lifespan helps prevent chronic disease – it is never too late to make changes to support healthy aging.

The sessions are delivered by our bilingual/bicultural staff in various languages including Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese and Vietnamese.

Topics covered

• General healthy eating information for older adults
• Heart health including cholesterol and blood pressure
• Bone health
• Preventing muscle loss with age

Who is the program for?

It is for people aged 60 years and over who would like to learn more about how to eat well as they get older. 

If you are a service provider that supports groups of older adults, contact our team at SLHD-DiversityHub@health.nsw.gov.au to organise a session.

Helpful resources

Get Active	Find out why is staying active important for older people.
Staying Active and Healthy at Home	Practical tips and information for older adults to stay active, healthy, and connected at home.