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 who work with people with chronic conditions. Baseline and follow up testing is conducted to develop and monitor an individualised program for each participant.
- Under Tier 2, progressive strength training sessions are delivered in a group setting by accredited fitness professionals. Although the sessions are delivered in groups, individualised strength training programs are developed for each participant.
Affordable access to strength training
The program is designed to provide affordable access to strength training. Fees are capped to keep costs low and participants may also be able to access rebates through their health fund or Medicare.
When will it be available in my area?
Living Longer Living Stronger sessions were scheduled to commence in 2020; however, this was delayed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Australian and Tasmanian governments introduced a range of measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, including restrictions on activities in the fitness industry.
Work is still being done towards the roll out of the program in Tasmania; and we now hope to offer the first in-person sessions from the third quarter of 2021.
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.