Healthy ageing through movement
As the weather begins to warm and we welcome the arrival of spring, it’s a wonderful opportunity to focus on one of the most important aspects of healthy ageing: maintaining movement and physical activity.
Remaining active is about much more than exercise. Regular movement helps support strength, balance, flexibility, circulation, mood and independence. Even small amounts of daily activity can make a meaningful difference to overall health and wellbeing. Whether it’s participating in a group exercise session, enjoying a walk through our gardens, attending lifestyle activities, or simply moving regularly throughout the day, every step contributes to maintaining function and quality of life.
At Finley Regional Care, we are fortunate to offer a range of opportunities that support residents to stay active. Residents have access to physiotherapy services three days each week, providing assessment, treatment and individualised support to maintain mobility, strength and independence. In addition, our morning exercise program runs Monday to Friday and offers residents a fun and inclusive way to keep moving, improve flexibility and promote overall wellbeing.
Our care team works closely with residents, families and allied health professionals to encourage safe and meaningful opportunities for movement that align with individual abilities and preferences. The goal is not to achieve athletic performance, but rather to help residents maintain confidence, independence and participation in everyday activities.
Promoting mobility also plays an important role in reducing the risk of falls. Falls can occur for a variety of reasons, including changes in balance, muscle weakness, health conditions, medication effects or environmental hazards. Our team continues to implement a range of falls prevention strategies, including regular assessments, monitoring of mobility aids, environmental safety checks, strength and balance activities and ongoing review of individual care plans.
Families play an important role in supporting residents to remain active and engaged. Simple activities such as spending time outdoors together, taking a stroll through the gardens, attending an activity, or encouraging participation in our exercise programs can provide significant physical, social and emotional benefits.
As always, our focus remains on providing safe, person-centred care that promotes dignity, independence and wellbeing. We thank residents and families for their continued partnership and look forward to enjoying all that spring has to offer.
(Amy Lankester, Director of Nursing)
