A healthy ageing program is set to be rolled out nationally following a successful pilot on the Sunshine Coast.
The free, 12-week program helped 94 per cent of Coast participants make positive progress towards their health goals.
Delivered via a partnership between over-50s developer GemLife and Amplar Health, it involved 95 residents aged 57 to 85 from GemLife’s Pacific Paradise, Palmwoods and Maroochy Quays communities.
Participants received personalised one-on-one coaching focused on physical activity, nutrition, sleep, mental wellbeing, social connection and preventative healthcare, helping them turn healthy intentions into lasting habits.
Interest in the pilot was so strong it reached capacity within 48 hours.
The program will now be offered to all new residents across GemLife’s communities nationwide, including 12 communities across the Sunshine Coast and broader South-East Queensland, giving nearly 1000 residents access.
The expansion is part of GemLife’s $6m investment in holistic wellness initiatives.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show 36.9 per cent of Australia’s population will be aged 50 and over by 2032.
GemLife general manager wellness Joshua Kristenson said participants experienced benefits sooner than expected.
“Many reported improvements in their first follow-up session, often within two to four weeks of starting the program,” he said.
“The biggest barrier wasn’t necessarily willingness.
“Often people simply needed expert guidance, motivation and help breaking larger goals into practical steps.
“We also found many were focused on social connection, mental stimulation and confidence navigating conversations with other health professionals, not just physical fitness.”
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GemLife Pacific Paradise resident Maria Gill, 64, said caring for her young grandchildren inspired her to join the program.
“I’ve always gone to the gym, but now I am taking care of my two and four-year-old grandkids, I’m thinking of how I can improve my strength and energy levels so I can keep up with them as they grow,” she said.
“I’ve been doing 10kg weights, so I can easily lift my two-year-old granddaughter now and I feel like I’ve improved my general fitness, so I can chase them around at the park.
“I drive to Brisbane every week and stay overnight to look after them. The drive alone was making me tired, but after completing the program I can do it with ease.”
Mrs Gill said the personalised coaching helped keep her accountable.
“Even though I’m quite motivated, it was nice to have someone keep me accountable and provide different perspectives,” she said.
“I reduced my wine intake as well, which was another goal.”
GemLife managing director and group CEO Adrian Puljich said the pilot showed improving access to preventative health programs encouraged participation.
“The pilot showed that when expert support is readily available, older Australians are highly motivated to improve their health and wellbeing,” he said.
“This partnership is just one of the new holistic wellness initiatives we’re making available to residents to help them live a full life and focus on their wellbeing as they age.”
Alongside the national rollout, GemLife is introducing additional wellness initiatives across its communities, including outdoor workout spaces, nutrition workshops and travel partnerships.
