Seniors community hub launched in Oakleigh

3 November 2017

A new community hub and state-of-the-art gym is being launched in Oakleigh on Wednesday, 8 November.

Uniting AgeWell’s Oakleigh Community Hub will provide information on a variety of aged care services, including allied health and therapy services, social support, respite and carer support, help at home and residential aged care.

The hub will be the base for the Melbourne Carer Respite Services team, which coordinates respite for carers and those they support across eastern, southern and western Melbourne.

The team also delivers information sessions about carer support, and other Uniting AgeWell services available, including Home Care Packages.

Uniting AgeWell CEO Andrew Kinnersly said the not-for-profit organisation aimed to take a different approach to ageing and break down the stereotypes often attached to older people. 

“We see ageing as a positive stage of life where people are connected and active, and lead meaningful lives,” he said. 

“It’s about ensuring everyone, no matter their age, can live and age well in the way that they want.”

The community hub also includes an Allied Health and Therapy Centre and the Helsinki University Research (HUR) Gym.

The HUR Gym is fitted with a smart card system that automatically sets the correct resistance and supports users through their workouts. 

On-site allied health professionals regularly adjust users’ workout programs at the fully-supervised and supported gym.

The air-resistant equipment, designed to accommodate varying degrees of ability and physical conditioning, reduces stress on joints and connective tissues, ensuring better outcomes and reduced risk of injury for seniors. 

Mr Kinnersly said the new gym was being opened in response to a growing need for more specialised and tailored exercise programs for seniors.

“Remaining active as people age is an essential ingredient to maintaining physical health and mental wellbeing,” he said.

“Oakleigh has a large ageing population and we believe seniors in the broader community will benefit from access to this innovative program.”

HUR Gym user, Mima Mitchell, is reaping the benefits of the facility, which allows her to ‘go at her own pace’.

“It’s all geared to your body by the exercise physiologist, and it’s good to have other people around to support each other.”

The Uniting AgeWell Oakleigh Community Hub Open Day, 68-72 Atherton Road Oakleigh, will run from 1pm to 4pm.