Retirement village residents exercise new skills at Movewell

Movewell, a new seniors’ health and fitness centre has opened within IRT Kangara Waters retirement living and aged care community which is located in Belconnen ACT.

It’s not your typical fitness centre. The music isn’t blaring, it’s not overly crowded and it is purposefully designed to meet the fitness needs of older adults with varying abilities and health conditions.

IRT CEO Patrick Reid explains that leading up to the opening of Movewell, IRT explored many ways to help enhance the well-being of residents and customers.

“We understand how important it is for older Australians to maintain their independence so they can keep doing the things they want, when and how they want to. Sadly, inactivity can mean losing this ability through loss of mobility.

This is why we are focused on improving access to health and fitness services, not only for IRT residents and customers but all seniors in our surrounding community,” Mr Reid said.

Kangara Waters resident and Movewell member Robyn, 83 years, says she is very happy that the village now has an exercise program.

“I believe that exercise is very important as we age, but I need the discipline of being committed to a class to get me motivated. Now that the classes are available onsite down at the Movewell Hub I’m going to classes every day and really enjoying them,” Robyn said.

Robyn explains there are a variety of classes to choose from at Movewell. She is attending Pilates, Strength and Conditioning and Hydrotherapy classes.

Robyn’s goal is to keep mobile, avoid having falls, keep her body functioning well and to stay strong.

Pat, 88 years, is one of the first residents of Kangara Waters and has lived in the village for 15 years. Pat says she likes coming to Movewell, and attends two exercise classes a week.

“I’ve got trouble with my glutes and my neck and I thought some of the exercises would benefit me and I am feeling a bit better,” Pat said.

“I plan to keep going and hopefully it gets better and better. It’s a great place to live here at Kangara Waters.”

Mary-Ann is another big supporter of Movewell and says she’s not heard of anything else like it in Canberra. She especially values that an exercise physiologist guides all the classes and provides one-on-one support.

“The classes are small, the supervision is very personalised and incredibly encouraging,” Mary-Ann said.

“Candice (Movewell exercise physiologist) has been really terrific. She did a full and thorough assessment and has put a good program together for what I can do. We’ve set out a series of goals to aim for and indicators to check my progress. It’s all been really positive,” Mary-Ann said.

“One of the things I have noticed in the short time since I’ve started is that my flexibility has improved, my strength has improved and the rehab on my injuries has improved enormously. I put that down to both the Pilates and hydrotherapy classes. I come four times a week.”

All three women agree that Movewell is an incredibly welcoming and caring place.

“I feel I’m in safe hands when I try something new and I feel confident knowing that a professional exercise physiologist is running the classes. Also, pricewise it’s excellent,” Mary-Ann said.

Movewell is delivered in partnership by IRT and Phytness Healthcare a leading provider of physiotherapy and allied health care with more than 16 years’ experience. Pilates, Falls Prevention, Strength and Conditioning, Bone Strengthening and Hydrotherapy classes are delivered by an exercise physiologist daily Monday through Friday between 8am and 4pm. One on one physiotherapy and podiatry consultations are also offered. Movewell is open to all seniors in the surrounding community.

Visit https://www.movewellhub.com.au/ or phone (02) 6152 9333 for more information.

Media enquiries: Hannah Ellson 0429 361 627 | engage@irt.org.au

General enquiries: 134 478

About IRT Group:
IRT Group is one of Australia’s largest community-owned, not-for-profit providers of retirement living, residential aged care and home care. With more than 50 years’ experience and locations throughout NSW, the ACT and South East Queensland, we employ more than 2000 people and play a significant role in promoting seniors as dynamic, influential and valuable members of society.