Uniting has opened its doors to a newly refurbished space for fitness and wellness in Beverly Hills, Sydney for people over 60.
The Uniting Senior Wellness Centre is a safe and supportive space for seniors and carers to socialise, exercise and relax.
Whether it’s fitness classes or group activities such as art classes, a book club, a game of mahjong or even bus outings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Visitors to the centre can exercise in a comfortable, supervised environment designed specifically for them.
A qualified exercise physiologist is available to tailor a personalised health program, following a short fitness assessment.
Local residents Judith and Rodney enjoyed a sneak peek of the centre before it opened and were excited at the prospect of being able to exercise and socialise more often.
“We have (accredited exercise physiologist) Damian Cohen coming to our house once a week to help us keep fit and prepare us for our upcoming knee operations,” Judith said.
“He’s since suggested we come to the wellness centre to increase our exercise regime to more than one hour weekly.
“We’re now so motivated to come here regularly, as it’s convenient and will help us to improve our health and get fit faster,” she said.
Judith and Rodney are going to get the best health outcomes by using the right equipment here at the gym rather than being limited by what they can do at home
Accredited exercise physiologist, Damian Cohen
Cohen, who will soon begin seeing his clients at the wellness centre, said the gym offered individualised exercise programs, targeted resistance equipment and guidance from qualified health professionals.
“Judith and Rodney are going to get the best health outcomes by using the right equipment here at the gym rather than being limited by what they can do at home,” he said.
“The ultimate goal is to enable people to stay at home longer and to age well.”
The centre also has a social engagement room where recreational programs are run to help seniors stay socially active and build friendships.
A variety of activities and themed days are planned, which reflect the communities’ interests and preferences.
Chun Ying Pan who in the past has visited the centre with her friends for an occasional game of mahjong, before it was refurbished, said she was impressed by the new premises.
“With the addition of the gym equipment since the refurbishment, I can now participate in even more activities.
“I really missed socialising with my friends during the lockdown period and this is the perfect place for us to get together again and have a cup of tea and play mahjong,” she said.
The centre also offers respite to carers who need to take a break on a regular basis.
There are wellness programs to support carers and their loved ones with services designed to meet everyone’s needs.
The Uniting Senior Wellness Centre is located at 18 Bridgeview Road, Beverly Hills and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Local seniors and their carer are invited to find out more by visiting uniting.org/wellness or calling 1800 864 846.
