June 2004

Council chamber a hive of activity

By Sue Preston

More than 200 seniors took over Victoria’s Legislative Council chamber for a ReActive Ageing debate that became an exercise in information, imparted with humour.

Comedian Tracy Harvey, in the guise of ReActive Agent 747, and moderator, ABC broadcaster Lynn Haultain, led a spirited discussion on how to encourage seniors to be more physically active and ward off the likelihood of contracting SDS (sedentary death syndrome).

It was a message that had already been heeded by residents of a Bundoora aged care residential facility, Vasey House.

The group brought smiles to everyone’s faces with their opening rendition of ‘Alive Alive O’

‘…We’re in our eighties and nineties and we’re alive alive-O.’

It was a performance matched for popularity by a Pilates demonstration from Aged Care Minister Gavin Jennings, encouraged by ReActive Agent 747.

Ms Haultain told the gathering of seniors from all parts of the State that ‘as a nation we are getting fatter and less active … and living longer.

‘As a result, chances are we will be getting sicker in later life.’

Special guest, Active for Life (USA) Director Professor Marcia Ory said she believed one of the keys to attracting people to be more physically active was to shy away from using terms like ‘exercise.’

‘People are happy to be involved in activities but they need to be enjoyable,’ Professor Ory said.

‘Enjoyable activities are the ones people will stick with—having supportive families and friends is important too.

‘Be active so you can do the things you enjoy doing…be active so you can dance at your daughter’s wedding.’

The gathering heard that exercise could take many forms—singing for example as exercise of the lungs, neck, shoulders, vocal chords and the heart.

‘Ageing is not an illness yet we’ve been sold a medical model,’ said Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Council of Senior Victorians Janet Wood.

‘We don’t need extreme makeovers, we need healthy alternatives for a range of activities.’

Concurrence came thick and fast.

‘I’m glad I’m not young anymore’ one senior told the House.

‘I’m having a fantastic time as a water exercise leader.

‘I’ve had one hip replacement and I’ve worn it out!

‘I have to have another one!’

Mr Jennings said the Victorian Government would spend $710,000 on the Well for Life program supporting nutrition and physical activity programs for seniors.

The grants program will target frail older people living in residential aged care facilities or participating in Home and Community Care (HACC) planned activity groups.

The ReActive Ageing debate was organised by the Office of Senior Victorians in association with COTA National Seniors and Latrobe University.