Wealth of services dedicated to empowering seniors

ALMOST a quarter of Canberra’s population is people aged 55 and over, and throughout the capital there is a wealth of services that specialise in helping seniors make the most of their lives. From looking after health to looking after home, there are plenty of businesses throughout Canberra that help make this possible.

To empower seniors, “CityNews” speaks to some of the local experts who are dedicated to improving the lives of older residents.

Exercise options to suit all abilities

ARTHRITIS ACT can support people no matter what type of chronic pain condition they have, says CEO, Rebecca Davey.

“It’s important to remain active at all ages, to condition muscles that protect against injury”, and Arthritis ACT has solutions for people of varying abilities.

“We have Nordic Walking classes. We’re teaching people how to walk with poles, which is a great, low-impact aerobic activity for everyone.”

Rebecca says it’s also important to build strength in different areas of the body.

“We now run Pilates from both locations, Pearce and Bruce,” and, as an added benefit for Arthritis ACT members, “we have free, online exercise classes every week from Tuesday to Thursday.”

That’s only the start, Rebecca says, with Arthritis ACT also offering services such as exercise physiology, disability support and meal planning to help people in managing their pain.

“People come to us because we know the condition. About 50 per cent of

Client needs ‘exceeded’ at Burrangiri Respite Centre

BURRANGIRI Aged Care Respite Centre is an ACT Health site operated by the Salvation Army Aged Care, says day centre coordinator Courtenay Trinder.

Ken, who has been a client at Burrangiri since 2019, says he enjoys having different things to do.

“There is always something to do and the food is good,” he says.

“I play the drums and Matthew, a singer, comes in. When various groups come in I bring the drums and play them,” he says.

“My advice would be if people enjoy company, talking to people and want a smaller environment, and once you know all the staff, you’re in business, I reckon.” understand how chronic pain can affect all parts of a person’s life,” she says. “No task or question is too big or small for us.”

Another client, Erma, has special dietary requests, which she says have been met and exceeded.

Arthritis ACT, Pain Support & ME/CFS ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

“I have been in respite in Burrangiri several times this year and cannot fault the care I have been given,” she says.

Beyond this, Courtenay says Burrangiri is launching a pen pals program with a local primary school.

“It’s literally a supported environment so that older Canberrans can socialise and connect with others and have an enhanced quality of life,” she says.

“We enjoy activities such as bingo and balloon volleyball, as well as armchair soccer, which has a Burrangiri-twist on it.” Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Centre, 1/7 Rivett Place, Rivett. Call 6288 1488 or visit agedcare.salvos.org.au

Sciatica is caused by nerve pain that originates from the lower back and can cause pain from the point, right down through your bottom and down one leg to your calf.

Not the entire area may be causing you pain at any one time, but what the pain will certainly do is cause you frequent extreme discomfort that is often not relieved by pain medication. Exercise is a key to dealing with sciatica. People who have lived with sciatica for some time will generally have some weakness of the muscles, tendons and ligaments surrounding the joints and bones that support the sciatic nerve. This is largely due to not having used their body to the fullest extent due to the sciatic pain.

Sciatic pain will generally respond well to rebuilding the support structures surrounding the sciatic nerve. For some people surgery may be the only solution, but in most cases, even if surgery is required, building up the support structures either prior to or following surgery will still be necessary.

Arthritis ACT has a team of exercise physiologists that can improve your quality of life in relation to your sciatica. Both hydrotherapy and land based exercise techniques are useful, and for those who do not like water exercise, land based exercise is just as effective.