Research shows value of subsidising exercise classes for older people

A new study has found that subsidised exercise classes can improve the physical and mental health of older Australians, as well as help reduce health system spending on chronic conditions.

Researchers from Monash University, led by Dr Christina Ekegren, studied 7000 older people's participation in Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) run physical wellness classes nationwide.

Dr Ekegren said the large study assessed the impacts of subsidised exercise classes for older people in three ways; mentally, physiologically and economically.

“Despite some of the barriers that older adults face in engaging with exercise programs, there is still significant potential for improvements in strength, mobility and physical activity participation,” Dr Ekegren said.

“So far, few studies of this scale have been completed in Australia so this research will help cement what we know about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of exercise for older adults.”

The study followed community participation in ESSA's Exercise Right for Active Ageing program, which provided 12 weeks of low-to-moderate intensity classes across a number of different disciplines, from aqua aerobics and weights to Pilates and yoga, at an average cost of $8 per class.

“The sheer numbers of older people who signed up for this program show the need for subsidised classes,” Dr Ekegren said.

“The classes ESSA provided were popular and valued and had a real impact on quality of life, especially in rural and regional areas."

ESSA president Dr Brendan Joss said the study's results showed that the introduction of affordable and disease-inclusive exercise classes into older people's schedules greatly improved participants’ quality of life.

“The program boosted overall physical activity levels and participants engaged in additional physical activity beyond the time spent in classes,” he said. 

“Participants became more physically active by one extra day per week and reduced sitting time by 30 minutes per day.”

The Exercise Right for Ageing program employs tertiary educated allied health professionals to "prevent, treat and manage chronic conditions [in older people], both physical and mental."

Poor mental health is endemic throughout this demographic, with reports showing half of all aged care residents are depressed. However, in Deakin University Food and Mood Centre's world first study on the effects of 'lifestyle therapy', researchers found that a quality diet and increased movement (overseen by professionals) can "achieve the same improved mental health outcomes as care delivered by psychologists."

“Many participants reported feelings of loneliness due to their health conditions impacting their ability to move and socialise, but the classes gave them a support network of people experiencing the same thing,” Dr Joss said.

“The high attendance rates of the program suggest affordable, condition-specific physical activity is valued by older adults.”

Chronic conditions contributed to around 90 per cent of all deaths in Australia between 2002 and 2022 and the associated health system spending is enormous. Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that the top three most costly condition groups for 2020-21 were all chronic, representing a government spend of $43.76 billion.

Dr Joss said funding subsidies would be an "effective low-cost strategy for improving the health outcomes and quality of life for older Australians that governments can introduce now."

“We need to strengthen physical activity programs for older adults with scalable, affordable and effective programs that address the health concerns of our ageing population," he said.

"Subsidised exercise classes delivered by an accredited professional that accommodate for physical limitations and reduce stigma is essential to get more older Australians moving."

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