Meet Sean Nathan who supports older people to improve their mobility, balance and strength on a daily basis.

The Exercise Physiologist is based at the Wellness Centre within the Uniting AgeWell Community Hub Burwood East and bounces into work each day filled with a sense of purpose and joy.

“I wake up every morning excited to go to work,” says Sean, pictured here with customer Ron Bean. “I just love being able to help older people regain or retain the physical ability to carry out the day-to-day activities that they sometimes find challenging.”

Sean is adamant that any improvement, no matter how small, is a win. “I work with customers to set achievable goals. Like being able to reach up to the top shelf in the kitchen, hang up the washing or to walk down the driveway to the post box without being in pain. Every goal achieved makes the next one easier.”
Melbourne raised Sean completed his Exercise Science degree and started working in high schools reviewing the student gym programs for various sports.

He joined Uniting AgeWell as an Exercise Scientist early in 2023 while studying for his Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology in order to qualify as an Exercise Physiologist. His first role entailed reviewing customers’ individual exercise programs, evaluating their progress and adjusting programs to suit their needs.

Currently he deals with customers with more complex clinical conditions, like those with Parkinson’s disease, people recovering from strokes, those with severe osteoarthritis or a history of falls. “I work with them in setting goals to increase their independence in day-to-day living,” Sean explains.

“As the sessions progress, I get huge joy in witnessing their physical changes unfold. When they first come into the centre I’ll do tests like how far and how long they can walk, the heaviness of the weights they can lift and more. Then after a few weeks of working with them I’ll do more tests and demonstrate how their scores are improving. They’re absolutely delighted to see this. It’s a huge motivator!”

The positive physical effects translate into positive mental wellbeing too. “I love seeing customers all bubbly and enthusiastic,” says Sean. “It’s like they have been given a new lease on life.”

One of his most memorable customers has been able to increase the length of time she could walk from two to six minutes. “That’s huge,” says Sean. “That’s six minutes of being able to walk around the supermarket without needing to sit down! She was utterly delighted and is determined to increase this even more.”

Sean intends to continue his career in aged care. “I have passion for older people, coupled with the fact that there are many career opportunities working in aged care. There’s so much cutting-edge scientifically based knowledge informing all that we do. It’s very rewarding.”