In Australia, a referral is not required to be able to see an allied health professional such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or exercise physiologist, although it is often helpful for you to bring as much information about your health history as well as any specific medical or surgical details that relate to your reason for seeing a physiotherapist. There are a few exceptions to this, where you will need to obtain a referral from your GP prior to attending our clinic. This includes:

• Workers Compensation Claims
• CTP (Third Party) Road Accident Claims
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Claims
• Medicare Claims (e.g. Chronic Disease Management referral)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults, recommends the following in order to improve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, bone health, reduce the risk of chronic disease and depression: o Older adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. o Aerobic activity should be performed in bouts of at least 10 minutes duration. o Muscle-strengthening activities should be done involving major muscle groups on two or more days a week. o When older adults cannot do the recommended amounts of physical activity due to health conditions, they should be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow. Something is always better than nothing!

Exercise helps to maintain muscle strength, bone density, balance and optimal heart and lung health. Exercise is also a natural mood-booster, so it is a great remedy for stress. Regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes and can help with managing these conditions. Physical activity is important for maintaining healthy joints, muscles and bones.

The most important thing is to keep active on most days of the week and to do an activity that you enjoy and will stick with. The best exercises for all ages are functional, whole-body exercises. These can include walking, swimming, Tai Chi, yoga, golf, or dance-based exercise classes such as Zumba. As we age, our muscle mass declines so it is important to try and incorporate some strength-based exercise a couple of times a week.

WHO defines healthy ageing “as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age”. This includes a person’s ability to meet their basic needs; to learn, grow and make decisions, to be mobile, to build and maintain relationships, and to contribute to society. Healthy ageing includes addressing our physical, mental, emotional and social needs as we get older. Regular involvement in group exercise classes can help you to stay physically fit and active whilst also providing a social environment.

Exercise prescription is the development of an individualised exercise program which takes into consideration the following client characteristics:

• Age
• Fitness levels
• Past medical history
• Past surgical history
• Weight
• Balance and falls risk
• Patient goals



Exercise prescription should be performed by a qualified health professional, such as a registered Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist. Exercises should be regularly monitored and progressed as appropriate.

The Australian Government Department of Health has developed Physical Activity Guidelines for adults aged 18-64. The guidelines include the following recommendations:

• Doing any physical activity is better than doing none. If you currently do no physical activity, start by doing some, and gradually build up to the recommended amount.
• Be active on most, preferably all, days every week.
• Accumulate 150 to 300 minutes (2h 30m to 5 hours) of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes (1h 15m to 2h 30m) of vigorous intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both moderate and vigorous activities, each week.
• Do muscle strengthening activities on at least two days each week.

By consulting an allied health professional who will supervise your exercises and challenge you with progressive programs, you may find that you are able to reach your goals more effectively. Allied health professionals will take into account your overall health and personal preferences which may lead to better compliance and lifestyle changes.

In Australia, a referral is not required to be able to see an allied health professional such as a physiotherapist, exercise physiologist or occupational therapist, although it is often helpful for you to bring as much information about your health history as well as any specific medical or surgical details that relate to your reason for seeing a physiotherapist. There are a few exceptions to this, where you will need to obtain a referral from your GP prior to attending our clinic. This includes:

• Workers Compensation Claims
• CTP (Third Party) Road Accident Claims
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Claims
• Medicare Claims (e.g. Chronic Disease Management referral)