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The Keen-Agers program enables older adults to participate in recreational table tennis in a social and non-competitive environment, that enhances overall mental and physical health benefits for quality of life for participants.
Being active is fundamental to health and well being of all people.
Physical activity is a great way to help people feel good, no matter what their age.
The implementation of a program to help people be active was high on the agenda for community members in Bairnsdale.
John and June Gale (residents of Bairnsdale, formerly from Mornington Peninsula) were instrumental in the evolution of Keen-Agers. Several years after John's retirement he underwent major heart surgery and suffered a post-operative stroke. This left him with partial paralysis of his left side. He found that he could still play table tennis at a social level and this was aiding in his rehabilitation and recovery.
John set out to establish recreational table tennis and did so in Bairnsdale, Victoria in 2001. Since its establishment participant numbers have significantly increased as have the number of newly established clubs. There are now 20 clubs across Victoria that are actively involved in this growing phenomenon.
· To co-ordinate a program targeted at retirees
· Increase community/participants awareness of health benefits
· Encourage recreation at a social capacity · Assist in providing participants
with motivation to sustain happy healthy lives
· Assist in recuperating from illness, post operative, rehabilitation and trauma
· To increase quality of life and foster wellbeing
· To provide a program locally based for community members to enjoy
· To provide a program where participants have the connection with being involved
in a community sports club
· To develop a program for the community based on local needs
· Further develop the program throughout an evaluation process
· To encourage a committee of retired volunteers to assist in the facilitation
· To be inclusive, actively involving participants
· Utilise the expertise of the committee to engage in the development process
· To build partnerships with local and state-wide networks
· To promote the benefits to others with the support of health organisations
· To sustain the program and further develop in other regions
It took the passion of the Gale's to have the vision of providing a positively charged project as that of Keen-Agers, and it took the belief of their friends and community members to ensure that this vision became a mission and since then has become a growing "phenomenon".
Through support of Vic-Health and Table Tennis Victoria the possibility was brought to fruition. Funding and support is essential to ensure that adequate facilities and equipment are maintained for the Keen-Agers program.
The Keen-Agers program has provided opportunity and activity for older adults. These results have given participants a better quality of life. Many have had improved health benefits and strongly recommend it to anyone.
One active participant, "Don" says about the Keen-Agers program, "I love it for social reasons, it makes sure I get out of the house! I feel better inside and out!"
The promotion of activity through Gippsport and other Sports Assemblies is providing other communities with evidence that a program such as Keen-Agers is fundamental in maintaining balance in life by feeling great physically and mentally. It is this support along with community participation and networking with other health care providers that will assist in the sustainability of this program.
About 1 in 4 participants play twice weekly and the ratio is about 50/50 women and men participation. One in ten players join local competition table tennis as well. All participants benefit from the social and recreational connection.
By engaging in such a program, participants are prolonging their independence and increasing their vitality in everyday life. It is the smiles on the faces and the level of enthusiasm that is evident that shows this program is creating that balance in life, and demonstrates that age is no barrier in staying active.
For specific details on the Keen-Agers program and participation at the nearest centre.
On setting up an activity program, contact a GippSport office.