Physical Activity

Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your physical and mental health, and quality of life.

30 minutes on most days – that’s all it takes!

30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity can reduce your risk of developing lifestyle diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and osteoporosis.

Photo of male cyclistsRegular activity will:

  • give you more energy
  • reduce stress and anxiety
  • improve concentration
  • help you to sleep better
  • help you to relax
  • reduce your risk of dementia
  • help you to meet people and make new friends
  • help you to move with fewer aches and pains
  • increase your bone strength
  • help you control body weight
  • reduce your risk for falls and injuries

What you can do:

  • Choose activities that you enjoy.
  • Start with a warmup and finish with a cool down.
  • Moderate-intensity activity will give you health benefits – you don’t need to ‘puff and pant’.
  • Drink lots of water – before, during and after activity.
  • Look for simple ways to incorporate activity into your day (incidental activity). For example, walk to the shops instead of driving, do some gardening.
Thumbnail image of the "Choose to Health" publication

Choose Health: Be Active

This booklet is designed to help older Australians achieve sufficient physical activity for good health, to prevent illness, reduce stress, enhance mental wellbeing and enjoy activity with family and friends.

 

Physical Activity Detailed Information

10 000 Steps www.10000steps.org.au/pa_health.htm
Active Ageing S.A www.activeageingsa.net.au/welcome.html
Australian Government Culture & Recreation Portal www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au
Australian Government Seniors Portal www.seniors.gov.au
Australian Sports Commission www.ausport.gov.au/
Centre for Physical Activity in Ageing www.cpaa.sa.gov.au/
Department of Health and Ageing (physical activity and health) www.health.gov.au/pubhlth/strateg/active/index.htm
Department of Sport and Recreation Western Australia www.dsr.wa.gov.au
Go For Your Life www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au
Life. Be In It www.lifebeinit.org
NSW Sport and Recreation www.dsr.nsw.gov.au
Office for Recreation and Sport South Australia www.recsport.sa.gov.au
Sport and Recreation Northern Territory www.nt.gov.au/ntg/sportrec.shtml
Sport and Recreation Queensland www.sportrec.qld.gov.au
Sport and Recreation Tasmania www.development.tas.gov.au/sportrec/
Sport and Recreation Victoria www.sport.vic.gov.au