On the Move
The Newsletter of COTA’s Physical Activity Unit
Volume 3, Issue 3
May - June 2010
In this issue
Page
COTA working in bushfire affected areas
Living Longer Living Stronger™ Update
Active Ageing Network
Moving More: COTA’s Peer Education Program
Back in the Game Update
Web site profile
Professional development and resources
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You may have noticed this edition of On the Move is a little later than usual. This is
because we wanted to include the final version of the LLLS Conference Program, which
you can find on page 2.
Dates for your diary
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Thursday 26 August, Living Longer Living Stronger™ Annual Conference 10.00am –
4.00pm at Victoria University, 300 Flinders St Melbourne. See page 2 for the program.
Thursday 16 September, Active Ageing Network Forum with Goulburn Valley PCP in
Shepparton.
COTA working in bushfire affected areas
COTA is working with groups in areas affected by the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires on the
Health and Wellbeing for Older People Program. This initiative will help ensure that seniors
receive support, and provide leadership opportunities to enable older people to maintain and
improve their mental and physical health whilst helping to rebuild their lives and their
communities. It has been made possible by generous donations to the Victorian Bushfire
Appeal Fund. $1.3 million from the Fund was specifically earmarked for this program
The funding would be used to help older people reconnect with each other and the community
through physical activity, gardening and other skills-based and social activities. Community
based organisations participating in the program, such as U3As, Men's Sheds, neighbourhood
houses and community health centres, will receive grants to run activities that meet the needs
of older people affected by the fires. Activities might include walking groups, exercise classes,
art projects, community gardening, computer classes and cooking demonstrations.
While the program is administered through the Office of Senior Victorians, COTA has
appointed Karen Ivanka to our Physical Activity Team as the Community Development Worker
to advise and support funded community organisations. For further information, contact Karen
on 9655 2107 or [email protected]
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Living Longer Living Stronger (LLLS) Update
LLLS Annual Conference: Reaching the ‘hard to reach’
It seems much too soon after the IFA Global Conference to be trying to organise another one,
but that is just what we are doing. The program for the LLLS conference is provided below for
your information. One change from last year is to repeat the practical sessions in the afternoon
concurrent program, based on the popularity of these sessions with instructors.
Program
9.30am
10.00am
10.15 am
11.10am
11.30am
12.20pm
12.40pm
1.05pm
1.50pm
2.50pm
3.50 pm
Registration
Official welcome and opening
The Hon Telmo Languiller MLA, Parliamentary Secretary Human Services
Don't Call Me Grumpy: What Older Men Really Want
Dr Francis McNab
Every man over 50 knows things are different from when he is 30! Every woman knows how their
men get disgruntled, disillusioned, and even destructive. What does the Psychology of the Older
Men have to say about the older man's nostalgia, sexuality, anxieties, and his flat emotions? There
IS no psychology of older men.
Morning tea
You can do it too: Innovation in the delivery of strength training for older people
Strength Training For Older People Innovation Award recipients
Heather Chapman, Metropolitan Provider: City of Yarra
Warren Farneco, Rural Provider: Ballarat Community Health
Innovative strategies to engage ‘hard to reach’ groups and make your LLLS programs sustainable
Living Longer Living Stronger™: 2010-2011
Stephanie Harper, Physical Activity Manager, COTA
A brief update on developments relevant to LLLS™ and physical activity for older people
The Active Ageing Network: Supporting strength training and physical activity programs for
older Victorians
Adrian Holdsworth, Health and Wellness Program Manager, YMCA
Lunch
Concurrent sessions
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
(Instructors)
(Instructors)
(General)
Block 1
Functional Flexibility
Kettle Bells
Get to know arthritis
Graeme Shrapnel
Presenter tbc
Jo Charge, Arthritis Victoria
On completion of the session
Forms of arthritis, the impact
participants will have an
of arthritis on those with the
understanding of functional
condition & risk factors in the
flexibility, its role in life and how
development of arthritis
it compliments LLLS.
Block 2
Kettle Bells
Functional Flexibility
Management of arthritis in
Presenter tbc
Graeme Shrapnel
physical activity programs
On completion of the session
Jo Charge, Arthritis Victoria
participants will have an
Exercise in arthritis
understanding of functional
management, safety and the
flexibility, its’ role in life and how importance of referrals, case
it compliments LLLS.
study/s on the management
of fibromyalgia and exercise.
Evaluation and closing remarks
Stephanie Harper, COTA
Brochures and registration forms will be available very shortly. Please contact Mitsuko on
9655 2105 or [email protected] for further details.
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LLLS Advisory Committee
The Committee met on Tuesday 15 June. Discussions focused mainly on professional
development and training for LLLS instructors, including the forthcoming LLLS Conference.
Contact Stephanie on 9655 2105 or [email protected] for further information.
Current Advisory Committee membership is as follows:
Name
Heather Chapman
Martin Clancy
Lyn Duguid
Alice Dyall
Robyn Grant
Betty Knight
Role/organisation
Older Adults Program Coordinator
Yarra Leisure, Richmond & Collingwood
Sunbury Aquatic Centre
Manager Registration
Kinect Australia
Caulfield Community Health
Program Coordinator
Sunbury Community Health Centre
Melbourne City Baths
Denise Langford
Expertise
Provider (Council-operated
fitness centres)
Participant (Regional fitness
centre)
Training and qualifications
Participant (Metro community
health)
Provider (Regional
community health)
Participant (Inner metro
fitness centre)
Industry
Managing Director
Australian Barbell Company
Kaylene Sherwell
Elders’ Program Instructor
Indigenous community
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service
Vacant: Positions for Provider and CALD communities representatives
LLLS Training Grants
Please continue to encourage anyone you think is suitable and who is interested in becoming
a fitness instructor to contact COTA, if they need financial support to undertake their training.
The application process is the same as in previous years but referrals will be accepted at any
time and assessed on a case-by-case basis.
We are seeking applicants committed to working with older people, particularly those who are:
 Older people themselves – ask your participants if they are interested in working in the field
 From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
 From Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
Please contact Mitsuko for further information on 9655 2108 or [email protected]
Active Ageing Network (AAN) Update
In conjunction with the Office of Senior Victorians, COTA and the YMCA Victoria are delivering
the Active Ageing Network. The Network aims to increase the number and range of
sustainable physical activity programs for older people (aged 50 years and over) in Victoria,
particularly from disadvantaged groups and areas of disadvantage.
Wellington Primary Care Partnership Practitioner Forum
The first of three Active Ageing Network Practitioner Forums for 2010 was held in partnership
with Wellington Primary Care Partnership on Thursday 27 May in Sale. The forum was
organised by a working party of representatives from the YMCA, Wellington Shire PCP,
Wellington Shire Council, GippSport, and community health. Around 40 health and fitness
professionals from the Gippsland region attended.
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The morning session included a range of informative presentations, including Dr. Liz Cyarto on
the National Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Australians; Exercise Physiologist Eric
Rosario on Strength Training for the Mature Aged; David Roberts from GippSport on
SportsLink, an online sport and recreation directory for regional Victoria; Elizabeth
Charalambakis from the YMCA Victoria on the activities of the Active Ageing Network; and
John Tatterson from Wellington Shire Council on the shire’s Physical Activity Strategy.
In the afternoon, three local presenters provided information about physical activity related
programs from the region. Mark Benfield from the Wellington Shire Council spoke on Living
Longer Living Stronger at Aqua Energy; Tony Brett from the East Gippsland Shire Council
presented on happenings in East Gippsland with regards to physical activity programs; and
Kirsten MacKintosh from Healthy Inspirations on their Lift for Life program.
After a revitalising session of Tai Chi, participants joined a World Cafe style discussion on a
variety of issues and topics relating to physical activity and older adults, including resources,
innovation, good practice, attracting & retaining participants and partnerships & collaboration.
Regional forums are also planned for Shepparton on 16 August and Warrnambool in October.
New Older Adults’ Program Finder on AAN Website
The Program Finder will assist older adults more easily find an activity that suits their needs
and budget. The Program Finder includes activities such as strength training, circuit, pilates,
tai chi, dance, walking and yoga.
For service providers, the Program Finder is an excellent opportunity to promote programs
free of charge and to increase participant numbers. Read more about the Program Finder
(http://activeageingnetwork.org.au/getting_active/Pages/Home%20Page.aspx)
Moving More during winter: Keep our speakers (and your
participants) ‘active’
Are your participant numbers starting to drop now the colder weather is here? Our Moving
More speakers are very skilled at conducting interactive discussions that dispel the myths and
stereotypes around older people and physical activity, and can help you promote your
program to local groups.
If you would like one of our speakers to conduct a session to promote strength training, or
physical activity in general, contact Mitsuko on 9655 2108 or [email protected]. A
minimum of two weeks notice is required.
Back in the Game:
Shepparton is Back in the Game
Back in the Game began at Shepparton Stadium with an Open Day on Thursday 18 March
2010 and is now offered on the first and third Thursday of each month. Nathan Tweddle is
leading the activities and participants have enjoyed Bocce, Badminton, Balloon Volleyball,
Netball, Table Tennis and Carpet Bowls. In coming weeks, Indoor Hockey, Ten Pin Bowls,
Cricket and Indoor Soccer will be played on the indoor courts.
Shepparton participants have commented how accessible the games have become through
simple rule modifications, smaller playing areas and light equipment. They are amazed at how
quickly they get a feel for the games and improve during a session, but also enjoy getting to
meet and interact with others as they play. The atmosphere is light hearted, supportive and
great fun. Players have also had the opportunity to socialise over morning tea and to get to
know one another off the court.
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Back in the Game has been well promoted locally, with Nathan talking to local groups, several
articles, photographs and advertising in the Shepparton News Weekly and The Adviser.
As a result of this promotion, a group of older people in Tatura have expressed interest in
Back in the Game, and the Tatura program is due to commence in June. Contact Paul
Elshaugh, Manager of Shepparton Stadium on 5832 9485 for more information.
Back in the Game in the metropolitan area
Discussions are continuing with the City of Monash to offer Back in the Game at Oakleigh
Recreation Centre.
A meeting is to be held with the City of Kingston to determine interest in a sport-specific
version of Back in the Game – ten pin bowling – in Mentone. This model is one in which
facilities which specialise in a particular activity can begin to get older people re-engaged.
Information can be obtained from Warren Stewart on 9583 1244.
Macleod YMCA is piloting Back in the Game - Cricket on Monday 12 July at 2.00pm. It is
hoped that older people with an interest in cricket will take up the opportunity to enjoy playing
their favourite game against others of their own age and ability. Information about this program
can be obtained from Tim Angel, Centre Director on 9459 9022.
Similarly, Back in the Game – Sailing is in the developmental stages with discussions between
Mornington Peninsula Shire and Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron resulting in a sailing program for
older people, due to be launched during the summer sailing season. Information can be
obtained from Brian Jones on 5985 7465.
If you are interested in learning more about or becoming a provider of Back in the Game,
please contact Jan Bourke, Physical Activity Officer, Council on the Ageing, on 96552113 or at
[email protected]
Web site profiles:
There will be no research update in this edition of On the Move. Instead, we feature two
websites.
1. Physical activity for all
Physical activity for all is the outcome of a project undertaken by the Alberta Centre for Active
Living in Canada, which identifies and examines barriers to physical activity and factors
supporting an active lifestyle. Although it is Canadian, the content is highly relevant to us.
This excellent site looks at what constitutes an inclusive community and provides tools and
ideas for engaging groups that tend to be at risk for inactivity, in particular people from rural
areas, aboriginal peoples, newcomers, older adults and people with limited mobility. Although
we all tend to focus on older people, all of these groups are represented within that group.
It provides suggestions and tools for practitioners working at the individual level, but also to
address factors in the social and physical environment and in relation to policies and
regulations.
For those of you (and hopefully that is everyone) striving to make your facilities and programs
as inclusive as possible, this site is definitely worth a visit.
http://www.centre4activeliving.ca/physical-activity-for-all/project/about.html
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2. Global Advocacy for Physical Activity
Global Advocacy for Physical Activity (GAPA) is the Advocacy Council of the International
Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH).
Is the name suggests, GAPA has been established to advocate for physical activity for all, and
has several key principles:
 Development of actions based on evidence of effectiveness
 Advocacy, including political and media advocacy, professional and community
mobilisation and advocacy within organisations, aimed at multiple levels
 Involvement of a wide range of organisations with direct and indirect interests in the
promotion of physical activity across all regions of the world
GAPA has five core strategies to help increase physical activity levels globally:
Strategy 1: Disseminate physical activity information and evidence.
Strategy 2: Advocate for the development, dissemination and implementation of national
physical activity policies, action plans and guidelines.
Strategy 3: Establish an agreed global physical activity and health charter.
Strategy 4: Advocate for capacity building and the development of workforce training
initiatives.
Strategy 5: Advocate for strengthening regional networks and global collaboration.
There are several regional physical activity networks, the one relevant to Australia being the
Western Pacific/South-east Asian Region which has its own website
http://www.ap-pan.org/modules/sections/index.php?op=viewarticle&artid=30
On this website, you will find physical activity programs, guidelines, policies and publications
relevant to the region as well as information about the network’s activities.
To join GAPA, you need to become a member of ISPAH ($US125), however you can register
to become a member of the network free of charge.
The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity
On Saturday 8th May 2010, The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity: A Global Call to Action
was launched at the 3rd International congress for Physical Activity and Health in Toronto
The Charter calls for all countries, regions and communities to strive for greater political
commitment and community action to achieve physical activity for all.
You can download the charter from the GAPA website at http://globalpa.org.uk
Professional development and resources
 Living Longer Living Stronger™ Annual Conference, Thursday 26 August. See
program Page 2.
Resources for fitness and health professionals
Active Media
A monthly electronic bulletin that highlights recent physical
activity and healthy eating news items, journal articles and
events. Access the current and past editions and to subscribe
click here.
Active Inform
Active Inform is a bimonthly electronic bulletin featuring the
latest research, programs and resources focusing on a
particular topic, developed with a lead organisation in the field.
Access the current and past editions and to subscribe click
here.
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About COTA Vic
Our mission is to mobilise older people and those who work with them to age well in a
just society.
You can find us at:
Level 4, Block Arcade
98 Elizabeth St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 9654 4443
Fax: 9654 4456
Visit COTA Vic’s website for more
www.cotavic.org.au
Next edition of On the Move
July-August 2010
Closing date for contributions to the next edition: Friday 23 July
Supported by
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