There are many reasons why exercise and group activities are beneficial for people over 50, including positive psychosocial outcomes, connection to the community, positive effects of slowing arthritis and osteoporosis, increased blood flow and heart health, as well as reducing injuries and the likelihood of falls, amongst many.

Living Longer Living Stronger is an innovative, safe, effective and affordable exercise program that aims to improve the strength, balance, coordination and endurance of people aged 50-100+.  

Council on the Ageing (COTA) NSW is working with a range of organisations and local providers to launch the program across many parts of NSW. 

Classes are or will be delivered across the Northern Rivers, by local exercise professionals, who have completed specialised training and become accredited Living Longer Living Stronger instructors.

Participants meet with their instructor for a one-to-one assessment prior to starting classes. The instructor develops a tailored program that takes their issues and needs into account, ensuring that they receive as much benefit as possible from classes and are less likely to injure themselves.

‘Improving strength helps older people stay independent,’ said COTA NSW CEO Marika Kontellis. ‘Being stronger means you can carry your shopping, climb stairs, and play with your grandkids. You can keep doing the things you want to do.’  

‘Strength training also has health benefits’, Kontellis said. ‘The Living Longer Living Stronger program can help improve bone and muscle strength and slow down wear and tear. It can speed up metabolism which may help maintain a healthier body, and it can reduce the chance of injuring yourself, because you are stronger, and you have better balance.’ 

Classes are friendly and sociable, and instructors make a special effort to make sure that everyone feels comfortable, even if they haven’t been to an exercise class before. 

Contact the providers directly for more information about the classes and to book your assessment: https://www.cotansw.com.au/programs/living-longer-living-stronger/classes/ 



Transport need not be an issue, there are local transport options, such as HART who may be able to assist in getting you to the classes if required. Contact HART to request service: call 1300 874 278 or go to: https://www.hartservices.org.au/