![Live Younger Longer](https://wentwest.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Issue31_LYLFeature_website-1024x394.png)
We proudly commission Live Life Get Active to run education programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for people aged 65 years and over. The Live Younger Longer – Active Ageing Program teaches early intervention strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of older people. The program shares cognitive, physical, mental, nutritional and social skills with participants.
The first part of the program focuses on education and the second part focuses on the practical activities that bring all the learnings to life in real time experiences. The overall objective of the program is to help participants gain a greater independence and control of the ageing process.
Three trials of the Live Younger Longer learning program were run in Mount Druitt, Woodcroft and Seven Hills in 2023. Trials have also been run in Gippsland and across the Hunter New England Central Coast region.
![Photo collage of people participating in the Live Young Longer Program at Mount Druitt Hub, Woodcroft Neighbourhood Centre and Seven Hills Community Centre](https://wentwest.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Issue31_LYL-1024x575.png)
The uptake of the program was high, and its success was clear from participant feedback. Live Life Get Active recorded the improvements participants experienced across all key health and wellbeing markers. 74% of participants felt that their overall health had improved.
Improvements reported from the program include:
- Mental capacity: 84% of participants used more breathing exercises and 24% tried relaxation techniques
- Physical health: 40% incorporated learned exercises into their daily routines, 80% engaged in more physical activities and 96% had no falls within two months post-program
- Social health: participants experienced enhanced community connection, improved self-esteem and a more positive outlook on the future
- Eating and hydration: 72% increased their water intake, 66% made positive dietary changes and 82% became more health-conscious about eating
- Health care utilisation: 38% visited their GP less frequently
- Chronic risk: notable improvements were observed in obesity, prediabetes, and diabetes risk profiles
Live Younger Longer is a seven-week learning program the runs for six months. It is facilitated by a combination of specialised allied health professionals, including clinical psychologists, exercise psychologists and dieticians. The team looks at the impact age can have on cognitive, mental, physical, nutritional and social health.
GPs, practice nurses, and allied health professionals are encouraged to refer their patients to this program by:
- Promoting the program in their practice via free brochures and poster. Email questions@liveyoungerlonger.com.au
- Encouraging patients aged 65 years and over to enrol or attend an information session
Across the Western Sydney, we have commissioned a further six programs.
Locations
- Blacktown Seniors Centre
- Corner of Gribble Place and Kildare Road, Blacktown
- Program runs weekly on Tuesdays from 10:00am-11:00am
- Mount Druitt Seniors Centre
- Mount Druitt Hub, Level 1, 9 Ayres Grove, Mount Druitt
- Program runs weekly on Tuesdays from 1:00pm-2:00pm
- Lalor Park Community Centre
- 1 Freeman Street, Seven Hills
- Program runs weekly on Thursdays from 11:30am-12:30pm
For more information about the program or about the registration process, please contact the Live Life Get Active team at questions@liveyoungerlonger.com.au
Information is correct as of 15 August 2024.