Keeping active this summer

Being physically inactive throughout mid and later life is thought to contribute to 2% of dementia risk. By increasing your level of physical activity you may be protecting yourself against dementia in a number of different ways (1).

Keeping active this summer

Physical activity may decrease vascular damage, reduce the neuropathology of dementia, reduce stress and inflammation and build cognitive reserve (1).

For under 65's the Australian Government recommends 2.5 - 5 hours a week of moderate exercise or 1.25 - 2.5 hours of intense physical exercise (or a combination of both) (2). For over 65's the recommendation is to do 30 mins of moderate exercise a day (3). 

With the warmer days and the sun shining, we thought we would compile a list of ways you can stay active this summer:

Build incidental activity in to your day:

  • Take the stairs rather than the lift
  • If you can, walk instead of driving
  • Park or get off the bus further away and walk the extra distance
  • Remember things like gardening and cleaning the house all count as activity!

Ticket to Wellbeing

The Tasmanian Government's Ticket to Wellbeing is an initiative designed to make getting active more affordable for older people. If you are a Tasmanian aged over 65 and are listed on a valid Services Australia Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card you may be eligible for $200 towards the cost of sport and active recreation membership. You can find more information here: Ticket to Wellbeing.