Waikato Business News May/June 2023

S NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2023
18 RETIREMENT
WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2023
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The Recipe to
Healthy Ageing
Healthy ageing is defined
as “an ability to lead a
healthy, socially inclusive
lifestyle relatively free from
illness or disability”, and it will
come as no surprise that this is
more likely for those actively
engaged in activities that
improve their health and wellbeing.
A review into ageing a few
years back concluded the three
main factors contributing to
healthy ageing were: physical
exercise, social engagement,
and diet. It would also seem
they are as equally important as
each other when it comes to living
a healthy, happy life in your
later years.
Unfortunately there is no
getting around the fact that the
motor neuron and muscle fibre
losses that occur during ageing
can never be replaced, but the
structure and function of cardiorespiratory,
metabolic and
musculoskeletal systems are
most certainly up for improvement
through exercise training,
and apparently it’s never too
late to start.
A UK study in 2020 showed
that lifelong sedentary individuals
who take up exercise later
in life may in fact achieve the
greatest health benefits.
Moreover, recent reviews
have highlighted the role of
pleasure and fun in physical
activity, arguing that “physical
activity can help in regaining
feelings of purpose, of
being needed in collective
group activity, and by creating
habitual routine and structure
to the day” (Morgan et al.,
2019) and that, ultimately, the
“functional and psychosocial
benefits [of exercise] seem to
outweigh long-term health benefits
for older adults in terms
of the value of physical activity”
(Devereux-Fitzgerald et al.,
2016).
Sounds fantastic doesn’t it?
Furthermore, In a Coaching
for Healthy Ageing (CHAnGE)
trial in 2020, a coaches’ expert
guidance was found to be a valued
part of the program. Participants
talked about being given
beneficial exercises and lifestyle
resources, and feeling supported
through the regularity of
contact, availability of coaches
and the routine of exercise.
And wait for it… The physical
activity-related social connectivity
and sense of community
created by the group
sessions was the most motivating
thing of all.
If you’re looking for a no-lycra,
welcoming environment
supported by a qualified fitness
trainer, so you can enjoy
the sociable, fun bits of physical
activity, the UniRec LifeFit
program is a great place to start
enjoying the benefits of healthy
ageing.
WAIKATO BUSINESS NEW
No doubt you have heard the term ‘healthy ageing’ being
bandied about a lot these days, but what does it really mean,
and what’s the secret formula to ageing well?
Billie, a LifeFit member
who’s been with UniRec since
the mid 80’s finds the program
offers her much more than
just physical benefits. ‘Coming
here has done absolute wonders
for me mentally, physically
and socially’.
‘It’s got great instructors,
it’s fantastic for rehab. I
just wish more people my age
would give this a go.’
Bill (pictured right) has
been a LifeFit since it first
started. He says it’s the discipline
and fellowship that’s
kept him coming back. He particularly
enjoys the variety of
the programming and the feeling
of ‘keeping what you’ve
got’.
LifeFit is a program
designed for those who want
to be active and improve their
physical strength, flexibility,
coordination and balance. It
offers enjoyable and achievable
exercise sessions with a
strong social aspect, with a
focus on resistance and cardiovascular
training at a light and
manageable pace.
There’s plenty of variety to
choose from too, whether you
prefer working out individually
or in a group exercise class, or
want to ditch the weights altogether
and play sport.
Tick off the physical and
social aspects of healthy ageing
and come see what all the
LifeFit fuss is about!