Get moving and live longer

Ipswich’s Joy Vandermeer, Debbie Barnett, Elizabeth Havenaar and Trish Mitchell attend the Ageing Stronger Active Longer session as part of Seniors Week.

Abba tunes filled the room as dance teacher Heady Keogh got everybody up on their feet.

There was singing, clapping, movement and most importantly smiles all round.

The group was attending the Ageing Stronger Active Longer forum which informs seniors about maintaining good health and wellbeing.

Mrs Keogh believes the best way to exercise is to dance.

“They were enjoying themselves while they were moving. When you dance you move every part of your body without thinking. The mind is with the music so their body just flows with the rhythm,” Mrs Keogh said.

“They don’t realise how much they are moving, or that they are using their wrists, their elbows, their shoulders, knees, feet and ankles and that is what you want them to do.

“The smile on their face just proves they are enjoying it.”

Elizabeth Havenaar did not think dance could be exercise.

“I really enjoyed this bit of the morning, I’m going home to do this with my daughter instead of sitting down and watching TV,” she said.

Debbie Barnett also attended the session and enjoyed the movement.

“By coming to something like this it makes you get up, get dressed and participate and I think that is important. Normally I exercise by walking up and down Brisbane Street window shopping,” she said.

Good health is important at any age but becomes more so as we age. The experts suggest 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most, preferably all, days help keep the heart, lungs, muscles and bones working well.

Ipswich City Council in partnership with Able Australia is providing free sessions for seniors to learn about maintaining good health and wellbeing.

Ageing Stronger Active Longer sessions are interactive, motivating and educational and morning tea and lunch is provided.

About 70 people from across Ipswich attended the first session as part of Seniors Week.