With Australia’s ageing population increasing, support for a growing trend came in the form of some handy community funds from the health department this month.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard was at SHARE Hurstville this week, meeting and greeting seniors and having a chat about wellness.
SHARE stands for Self Help Association through Responsibility and Enrichment.
The non-profit organisation that is partly funded by the local health district, delivers exercise programs for about 4000 seniors in St George and Sutherland Shire a year, and has been doing so for the past 31 years.
It aims to empower older residents of the community to be active and healthy.
Mr Hazzard was there to announce $67,000 to be made available for a new 12-seater mini-bus, that will transport participants to programs held throughout the community.
Some of SHARE’s specialised programs include falls prevention, and avoiding chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Through Tai Chi, Zumba, aqua aerobics, yoga, education and health goes hand-in-hand. The organisation also promotes social well-being.
Oatley MP Mark Coure, who assisted in securing the funds, says the organisation aims to keep seniors out of hospital through healthy lifestyle programs and exercise classes.
“Many eager participants struggle to make their way to classes, but the provision of transportation will go a long way in making sure classes are accessible to everyone,” he said.
