The Naval  Association     of  Australia

VA129 Wednesday, 14 September 2005

NEW BOOKLET ENCOURAGES VETERANS AND OLDER AUSTRALIANS TO GET ACTIVE

A new booklet produced by the Australian Government will help veterans and older Australians improve their health and well-being, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, De-Anne Kelly, and the Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, said today.

Choose Health: Be Active outlines a variety of ways to include appropriate forms of physical activity in everyday life.

Mrs Kelly said that for many veterans and older Australians, particularly those with poor health, remaining physically active could be a challenge, but this booklet provides solutions.

"Choose Health: Be Active is designed to help this group choose the types of activity that best suit them no matter how old, able or active. The booklet has sections on simple strength and balance exercises that can be integrated into everyday living and gives practical advice on coping with health problems and overcoming setbacks," Mrs Kelly said.

"Making even small lifestyle changes can have a positive and ongoing effect on physical and mental well-being no matter how old you are."

Ms Bishop said the Australian Government was committed to developing material that supports veterans and older Australians to make healthy lifestyle choices so they can enjoy the best possible quality of life.

"This includes producing practical publications, such as this booklet, which promote lifestyle and health measures to prevent, alleviate or reduce the impact of injury and illness in the veteran and wider community," Ms Bishop said.

"This booklet together with 'Eat Well for Life' materials will help older Australians to balance their nutritional needs, maintain a healthy weight and help keep their body working well.

"Being active is also a great opportunity to enjoy shared activities with family and friends, providing both health and social benefits."

Choose Health: Be Active was jointly developed by the Departments of Veterans' Affairs and Health and Ageing in association with Sports Medicine Australia.

The booklet is available from the Department of Veterans' Affairs by calling
133 254 or the Department of Health and Ageing on 1800 500 853.

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