An innovative and affordable strength and balance exercise program for older people is ramping up in the Northern Rivers area. Now is the time to emerge from hibernation, get your body moving and reap the benefits for overall energy and vitality!

The Living Longer Living Stronger program involves individually tailored progressive resistance training to improve your strength, balance and mobility. It has been developed by COTA (Council on the Ageing) Australia to provide a budget-friendly way for older people to exercise safely in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

‘The beauty of the Living Longer Living Stronger program is that it is personally designed for each participant, and the instructors will take your specific needs and goals into consideration when preparing your program,’ said COTA NSW CEO Meagan Lawson. ‘This means you can improve your strength at your own pace, with less risk of injury.’

‘Moving and getting stronger has a flow-on effect on your general quality of life. You’ll be better able to carry shopping and play with your grandchildren, as well as reducing the risk of falls and other injuries. And the classes are also a great way to meet new people.’

‘Living Longer Living Stronger is a great addition to the programs in our region’ says Northern NSW Local Health District’s Health Promotion Manager, Graeme Williams.

‘Living Longer Living Stronger is a great option because it offers a tailored exercise program, but in a group setting,’ Graeme said. ‘We also have Stepping On for people at risk of falls, Healthy and Active for Life Online for those who want to exercise from the comfort of their own home’.

Living Longer Living Stronger classes are now running in Evans Head, Grafton, Kyogle, Nimbin, Tweed Shire and Yamba. Stepping On, and Healthy and Active for Life Online also run at a number of locations across Northern NSW.

For more information about these programs or to find one near you, visit https://healthpromotion.

nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/age-well/ or call (02) 6620 7517