The Living Longer Living Stronger program aims to improve health outcomes, fitness and quality of life for older people through strength and balance training.
In Tasmania, the program was first introduced as Strength for Life in 2019-20. The program has been running successfully for many years in other states and territories under the Strength for Life and Living Longer Living Stronger banners. Funding from the Australian Government’s Move It AUS – Better Ageing Grant Program enabled us to expand the program into Tasmania during 2019-20.
From 2021, COTA Tasmania has joined forces with the states of Victoria and New South Wales under the Living Longer Living Stronger brand, with an enhanced program offering and revitalised branding.
The program is available to everyone aged 50 or older and 40 or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
The program offers two tiers:
- Tier 1 is delivered by accredited exercise physiologists and physiotherapists. Tier 1 is appropriate for participants that have severe or complex chronic conditions, are recovering from injury/treatment or have significant medical risk factors.
- Tier 2 is delivered by accredited exercise professionals. Tier 2 is suitable for participants that are living with well-managed chronic conditions and/or have few medical risks.
Tailored to your needs
Each participant is assessed and provided with a strength and balance training program tailored to their individual needs.
Living Longer Living Stronger is suitable for people of all fitness levels and abilities.
Have fun and make friends
Sessions are delivered by accredited providers and instructors in a group setting to facilitate social connections.
Affordable access to strength and balance training
The program is designed to provide affordable access to strength and balance training. Fees are capped to keep costs low and participants may also be able to access rebates through their health fund or Medicare.
Speak with your health fund or Medicare directly to determine your eligibility for rebates
COTA Tasmania is not able to provide advice on individual circumstances and we recommend that you speak directly with your private health insurance provider or Medicare to determine if you are eligible for rebates.
Access to rebates may be dependent on numerous factors, such as: your personal circumstances, the services or care involved, and insurance policy inclusions and incentives (which can vary widely between insurance providers).
Many private health insurance providers offer incentives for participating in fitness activities, such as refunds or discounted premiums. Please speak directly with your insurance provider to determine if you are eligible.
Medicare rebates relate to Tier 1 providers of the Living Longer Living Stronger program (i.e. physiotherapists and exercise physiologists). Rebates may be available to Tier 1 participants with one or more chronic conditions for accessing services delivered by allied health professionals. More details are available on the servicesaustralia.gov.au website. For further information on your eligibility for rebates, please contact Medicare directly.
How can I find a provider in my local area?
Visit the Find your local provider page to find an accredited Living Longer Living Stronger provider in your local area.
When will it be available in my area?
We are aiming to accredit Living Longer Living Stronger instructors and providers all across Tasmania, so that sessions are accessible to more Tasmanians.
You may be aware of instructors or fitness facilities in your area that might be interested in delivering the Living Longer Living Stronger program. If so, you could suggest to them that they contact us for information on delivering the program.
Impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
The roll out of the Living Longer Living Stronger program may be further delayed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Australian and Tasmanian governments have at various times introduced a range of measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, including restrictions on activities in the fitness industry.
The health and wellbeing of our community remains our top priority. Our program activities and schedule will continue to be guided by the advice and requirements of governments and health authorities.
Keen to deliver Living Longer Living Stronger sessions for your clients?
Offer your clients an evidence-based strength and balance training program for older adults.
Become an accredited Living Longer Living Stronger provider in just two easy steps!
1 – Enrol one or more of your team members in the Living Longer Living Stronger instructor accreditation course:
Living Longer Living Stronger instructor accreditation course
2 – Apply to become an accredited provider:
Provider Accreditation Agreement
Interested in participating?
To receive updates on the roll out of the Living Longer Living Stronger program, please fill out the expression of interest form below.