The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is encouraging residents aged 60 and over to take advantage of free health coaching during the current stay-at-home orders in place across the state.

Jillian Adams, Health Promotion Manager for NNSWLHD said during lockdown, reduced physical activity puts older adults at risk of a decline in their physical and mental health.

“This can increase the risk of falls and limit a person’s ability to be able to get back to all the things they love doing once lockdown is over,” she said.

Ms Adams said two free programs are being offered to help older adults stay connected, active and on their feet.

All participants need is a computer or tablet, and the internet to participate.

One of the programs is Healthy and Active for Life Online, a 10-week online program for adults aged 60 and over and Indigenous persons over the age of 45 who do not currently participate in a regular exercise program, but who can move around their home without a walking aid.

It includes 10 online self-directed healthy lifestyle modules, a home exercise program, and a weekly phone call from a trained coach.

The other program is Get Healthy, which offers six months of free phone-based health coaching from a university qualified coach and has been created to help anyone, regardless of how active they are, to set and achieve healthy lifestyle goals including losing weight, eating better, moving more or drinking less.

NSW residents aged 16 years and older can join Get Healthy and you can sign up to Get Healthy at any time.

“We have had over 100 people join these programs in the past month,” Ms Adams said.

For more information or to register for free, visit healthupnorth.info/healthyandactive and healthupnorth.info/gethealthy

Registrations close September 24.