2LT Local News

CSU in Bathurst helping over 50s to greater fitness and lifestyle

Feb 11, 2019

BATHURST, Central West, NSW, Australia – Research as part of the Active Living Longer (ALLong) program held at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst launched in June last year is showing benefits.

The program has attracted 52 people to the CSU gymnasium and their measured health improvement assessments are positive.

ALLong aims to help adults aged 50 years and over enjoy a long-term active lifestyle and extended years of independence.

Dr Eevon Stott, adjunct research fellow in the CSU School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health in Bathurst, said the ALLong program draws together research and education to empower the community to get healthier.

“We have only been operating since last July, and the program has evolved to suit the needs of local population,” Dr Stott said Friday.

“The program gets great feedback from the participants, and the seven CSU work placement students assisting me manage the program.”

“The students have been instrumental in bringing the ALLong exercise program to another level,” Dr Stott said.

“They brought their experiences in various sports, spent time to get to know the participants, and our collective effort resulted in a systematic process where each participant who walks through the doors get the best chance at becoming independent in exercise.”

Dr Stott said the program is preparing for another phase of research data collection in the last week of this month.

“The research acts as a checkpoint for the participants to track their progress over time,” she said.

“When we share the results of the research with our participants, we sometimes feel we are the bearer of bad news.”

“But we know from experience that the participants’ second and subsequent results are likely going to show improvement, which acts as motivation to get even fitter,” said Dr Stott.

“2019 is going to be an exciting year, as we are in the midst of establishing partnerships with local businesses and non-government agencies, and we welcome new participants.”

“We are also planning an exciting new initiative that will involve aged-care homes, so watch this space!”

For more information or to enrol in the ALLong program contact Dr Eevon Stott on 0408 721 752 or email estott@csu.edu.au