Seniors’ exercise park in Mandurah a first in WA

The State’s first seniors’ exercise park has opened in Mandurah.

The purpose built facility features equipment designed to improve strength, balance, coordination and flexibility in a fun and challenging way.

Located alongside Silver Chain’s social centre and clinic facilities in Greenfields, the exercise park is based on similar concepts proven to be highly successful in other parts of Australia and internationally.

Silver Chain general manager social care WA Anne-Marie Cox said exercise programs are effective in reducing the risk of falling and the rate of falls because they can improve muscle strength, flexibility and balance.

“As we age, many people don’t regularly engage in as much physical activity as they would have in the past,” she said.

“Our exercise park provides a safe supervised environment to promote physical activity focusing on muscle strength and functional and balance improvements.

“The equipment available at the seniors’ exercise park has been tested in other parts of the world, to accommodate the needs of older people and encourage participation in physical activity.

“Clients will be able to focus on maintaining mobility through balance training to assist in the prevention of falls.

“They will also be able to practice movements that are crucial to mobility, such as sitting to standing and step ups.”

Silver Chain clients will be the first to use the exercise park.

Eligible clients will be assessed by a Silver Chain physiotherapist, who will then develop an individualised exercise program. Clients will be supervised while using the equipment.

Early next year, the senior’s exercise park will be available to external groups and the broader community, so everyone can benefit from the specialised equipment.