ECU supporting West Australian seniors to think well and live well

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ECU supporting West Australian seniors to think well and live well

Monday, 12 October 2020

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Proactively supporting seniors to remain healthy and independent is at the heart of research in the School of Medical and Health Science, in areas including nutrition and exercise science. ECU researches a range of chronic disease, from cancer to bone health, and provides evidence of how diet and exercise is key to the self-management of health.

Working with Southern Plus Health and Wellness Centre, located in East Fremantle, Edith Cowan University, is proudly delivering an interactive event series ‘Think Well Live Well’. A first of its kind, the series combines the most cutting-edge nutritional, lifestyle and exercise medicine research with the ‘how to’ of implementation, to provide seniors a toolkit to live well, prevent and manage complex health conditions.

Southern Plus is passionate about helping seniors discover a better way to age. The partnership with Edith Cowan University highlights the important association between cutting edge health research and tailored aged care services, to create an interdisciplinary approach to health and wellness.

The four-part series will focus on prevention and management of dementia, bone health, heart health and cancer, through manageable diet, lifestyle and exercise modifications found to improve quality of life. Through guided cooking stations, exercise demonstrations, as well as speech pathologists, occupational therapists, nutritionists and exercise physiologists in attendance, seniors will acquire the knowledge and skills to live well.

Prof Rob Newton, Professor of Exercise Medicine, Medical and Exercise Sciences, Edith Cowan University and 2019 WA Scientist of the year believes the partnership will help more seniors access health and wellness services.

“Research shows that exercise as a therapy helps improve rehabilitation and overall health and wellness of individuals. Coupled with the therapeutic benefits of improved social contact, the outcomes for seniors is a much better quality of life,” Prof Newton said.

Prof Amanda Devine, Associate Dean, Public Health and Occupational Health & Safety and collaborator with Jamie’s Ministry of Food, has conducted considerable research in the area of nutrition and lifestyle behavioural change.

“The planned education content, associated cooking and learning activities and sharing of meals, adequately translated information into action, conferring a change in dietary patterns and cooking behaviours that were sustained. People need to take charge of their own food intake, cook from whole foods and eat more vegetables. Plant based diets are key to overall good health for people and the planet”.

A first of its kind, the Think Well Live Well series will advocate exercise as therapy, mindful cooking and lifestyle decisions for optimal health, while encouraging social interaction within a group setting.

To express interest in the Think Well Live Well series, please call Southern Plus Health and Wellness Centre on 6424 7443.

School of Medical and Health Sciences