After witnessing the health benefits her husband was gaining from his involvement in the Bendigo Health Fitness for Older Adults Program (FOAP) she felt it was the right fit for her.
Three major abdominal surgeries in three years left Leanne with diminished core strength and the notion that some radical life changes were needed. Her husband Rob had been accessing FOAP to help manage rheumatoid arthritis (and more recently treatment for prostate cancer) and had made significant progress with the support of physiotherapists and exercise physiologists. Leanne said it was Rob’s progress and a desire to prolong her own life that prompted her to apply.
The couple started with an exercise to music class and once they got their fitness levels up, moved across to strength training. They now incorporate exercise into their everyday lives (swapping the car for a walk to the local store) and are doing things they feel they couldn’t have done years before.
“Our energy levels are amazing. We might be our age in numbers but we both tend to think we are years younger because we are retaining a good level of health,” she said. “We all know we’re not going to live forever, but it’s a matter of remaining fit so we can do things. FOAP is flexible and fits in with your lifestyle – it really has been a lifesaver.”
Open to over 65s the FOAP program isn’t all about getting up a sweat. It’s fun and offers an opportunity to meet and have a laugh with other people who find themselves in similar circumstances. Aimed to help people stay fit and healthy, the program includes exercise to music, tai chi, stretching, a walking group and strength classes and is accessible via referral through My Aged Care. Regular classes are held in Bendigo, Charlton, Cohuna, Donald, Eaglehawk, Golden Square, Strathdale and online.
Community Allied Health Services are hosting a FOAP come and try session in collaboration with the Get Moving Program on Monday 3 October at the Kangaroo Flat Library.
For further information or to join phone 5454 7102 or email [email protected]