LASA Fusion Autumn 2022

Page 48

STRONGER TOGETHER

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE FOR HEALTHY AGEING SUPPORTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS A MUST

R

esearch has shown the importance of exercise in slowing down ageing and keeping up quality of life. With many benefits of exercise in older age—such as prevention of falls, improvements in cognition, management of chronic diseases and increased longevity—exercise really is the key to happy, healthy, independent and joyful ageing. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of exercise in maintaining health has become even clearer. In the human body, proteins are responsible for many physiological tasks, with the primary function of building and repairing cells, including assisting in the fight against any viral and bacterial infections. As skeletal muscle makes up almost half of the protein reserves in the body, muscles are the ‘banks’ we can withdraw from when our body needs to fight viruses and rebuild cells. Understanding that muscles could act as an immune organ by producing acute phase protective proteins, regular strength training might be a crucial preventive action to fight illness.

To stay happy, healthy and strong, Pat and Bernie are training under the supervision of Jonathan Duke (right), using the air-based HUR equipment.

During the extended lockdowns and isolation, many people decreased their activity level, resulting in the decline of lean muscle mass and function (sarcopenia). In just two weeks of physical inactivity, active older people can lose about 25 per cent of their strength. For older people, this loss of muscle mass is more critical as it is more likely to impact general health and quality of life.

During 2020 and 2021, Melbourne became the world champion of COVID-19 restrictions, with more than 250 days in lockdown. The six lockdowns meant less time spent outdoors, less distance travelled from home, and the closure of exercise facilities in the community and aged care settings. During these ‘stay at home’ periods, many were searching for alternative ways of exercising. Due to the closures, businesses had to become innovative and create new modalities to reach out to keep people healthy, and socially connected. Continued on page 48

48


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The Aged Care Crisis will decide the federal election

4min
pages 13-14

Fresh Ideas

9min
pages 100-102

Innovative rehabilitation program improves resident health and wellbeing

2min
page 99

Hospitality and lifestyle award winners put spotlight on unsung heroes

2min
page 91

The latest air treatment technology will save lives

3min
pages 88-90

Families pitch in at NoosaCare

4min
pages 97-98

Award-winning new model of care

4min
pages 95-96

Are you ready to join the revolution?

3min
pages 83-84

How to deliver a great care experience

4min
pages 85-87

Responder nurse call solutions to improve quality care

4min
pages 80-82

Digitising aged care worker records

2min
page 79

Why technology is a must for aged care providers

2min
pages 77-78

Traineeships help alleviate the aged care workforce crisis

3min
pages 68-69

Governance: is there room for an advisory board?

2min
pages 63-64

The human challenge of aged care

5min
pages 70-72

Do you have employees coming back from retirement?

3min
pages 65-67

Stronger with data

4min
pages 75-76

What does good governance look like?

5min
pages 59-62

New digital platform to help older Australians age their way

2min
pages 57-58

Specialist financial advice for

3min
pages 55-56

Digital guide for aged care workers

3min
pages 53-54

The importance of exercise for healthy ageing

4min
pages 48-49

Putting people at the heart of innovation

4min
pages 50-52

Making an impact in aged care

3min
page 47

Supporting the mental health of aged care workers is vital

3min
pages 45-46

Rating great design

4min
pages 39-42

Nurses should be seen as leaders

4min
pages 43-44

Ensuring quality dementia care is a focus of aged care reform

3min
pages 29-31

Less resilient leaders please navigating omicron and industry reforms

3min
pages 27-28

Moving fast, doing more, breaks a workforce

3min
page 25

Working in a war zone

5min
pages 17-18

LASA Next Gen Ambassador Spotlight: Maddison Styles

2min
page 26

LASA industry excellence awards now open

2min
pages 23-24

Minister’s Column

4min
pages 11-12

A landmark election for aged care

3min
pages 15-16

CEO’s Column

4min
pages 9-10

Chairman’s Column

4min
pages 7-8
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