Why be active? At the moment about 50% of older Australians are not regularly active. The loss of strength and stamina attributed to ageing is in part caused by reduced physical activity. Inactivity increases with age. By age 75, about one in three men and one in two women engage in no physical activity. Participating in physical activity can make it easier to perform many day to day tasks. For example: > Reaching in your cupboard > Getting dressed and tying your shoes > Lifting and carrying your supermarket shopping > Getting in and out of chairs, the bath and the car > Walking to the shops and climbing stairs without getting out of breath > Dancing, gardening or playing with grandchildren Physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial – the HAMP exercise program encourages gentle exercise three times a week and walking at your own pace twice a week. [ return to top ]