Living stronger, longer and happier – Finding our healthspan and strengthspan
Research has provided us the knowledge on the best exercise modalities, best-practice exercise prescription for health & wellness, as well the many wider benefits of exercise, yet many people are resisting engaging in a new way of training, rather sticking to old habits that might not lead to the best health benefits. Thankfully the way of thinking is slowly changing, and more people are starting to see exercise as medicine, appreciating the many gains to the health and wellness, as well as quality of life gained by appropriate physical activity.
When discussing the 50+ population and the retirement planning, we are now talking about consumers that are empowered by knowledge. We know what habits lead to a good healthy life, leading to not just more years in our lifespan, longevity, but to years in good health, allowing us to lead the life we imagined, extending our “healthspan”.
Healthspan is defined as “The period of life spent in good health, free from the chronic diseases and disabilities of aging (Kaeberlein, 2018, GeroSciece)”. Indeed, a recent editorial summarized this nicely: Longevity is living longer, Healthspan is living better (Fyfe, 2024).
Some months ago, another term was added to the conversation – Strengthspan (Faigenbaum, 2024, British Journal of Sport Medicine). In this editorial the authors discuss the importance of strength throughout our lives, outlining that in childhood we should GET strong, in adulthood BE strong and in our older years REMAIN strong. By adding strength to the healthspan concept, we no longer just discuss the healthy years free from diseases but are “more likely to move independently, function safely and perform a range of physical tasks effectively throughout the Lifespan.”
At HUR Australia we pride ourselves of providing the best knowledge to support the provision of best practice guidelines. Since its beginning 35 years ago, HUR has been committed to conducting innovative physiological, biomechanical and exercise as medicine research. The features and developed concepts of HUR are based upon scientific work, created in accordance with recommendations from the world’s leading exercise as medicine authorities. Collaboration with multiple universities around the world, has allowed HUR to be part best-practice innovations.
From this link you can find the full research index that includes research publications for many categories, such as balance, falls prevention and geriatric strength training.
We are always looking for opportunities to share the up-to-date information on research and clinical knowledge, sharing this knowledge via conference presentations, invited keynote talks and panel positions, webinars as well as written text. In Australia we publish a blog and an annual Newsletter, sharing with everyone the current knowledge as well as the success stories from our clients.
We want to pass on the knowledge, the best-practice principles as well as the most efficient use of the technology we provide to our clients. Indeed, the arrival of the equipment to the site is only the beginning of the journey toward the best health for all users.
Many retirement villages are hearing the “Healthspan” message and are developing models that emphasize “Active Ageing”, creating villages where health and wellness is seen as a high priority. One of the leaders in the industry is Bolton Clark. Indeed, in May 2024 Bolton Clarke was the winner of the inaugural Operator of the Year – Active Ageing Award at the Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards, aligned with the World Ageing Festival held in Singapore. The winning award reflects the organisation’s focus on positive ageing including services that aim to provide every resident and community member the best health and wellness.
Bolton Clarke won the award for the best Active Ageing operator of the year at the Ageing Asia, Eldercare Innovation Awards in 2024.
Examples of Bolton Clarke’s best practice support are the two new vertical retirement villages in Melbourne; Europa in Alma in St Kilda, and Callisto Place in Bundoora, both also including gyms that are fitted with HUR equipment. The designs and equipment choices for the gyms of these two sites were carefully planned with the physiotherapy team. Prior to the residents moving to the site, the staff were trained in the use of the equipment and software, with the education continuing when the residents move it. As both these villages emphasize active ageing as a key ingredient of the lifestyles of the residents, it is important not just to explain the function of the equipment, but also empower everyone to take their journey to better health and wellness in their own hands whilst being supported by allied health staff, by educating everyone about the benefits of exercise and strength training, as well as the importance of appropriate selection of modalities.
A few weeks ago, we had a residents get-together at Europa on Alma, where the residents were first given a talk discussing the benefits of exercise, followed by a visit to the in house gym. Many of the residents are already avid gym users, becoming the “exercise buddies” for all new users.
The Buddy App by Pluss Communities allows the residents to easily access information about the equipment and health benefits of exercise
The knowledge is also supported by collaborating with Bolton Clarke’s Buddy social connection app, provided by Pluss Communities. Via the app, residents can have access directly to exercise videos and HUR webinars discussing the benefits of exercise. The collaboration between the sites and their providers allows the services to reach the next level.
Knowledge and education are key factors when creating a change that will benefit everyone. It might not happen in a short time, but with persistence and continuing encouragement there will be a wider audience of people who will hear the message and will live stronger, longer and happier!
Best wishes,
Dr Tuire Karaharju-Huisman
Physiotherapist, Accredited Exercise Physiologist (ESSAM), PhD (Biomechanics)
Research Lead, Area Account Manager (Vic, Tas, SA, NT)
[Image credits - Main image: Ageing Asia, HUR Australia's Dr Tuire Karaharju-Huisman introducing the physiotherapy team to HUR equipment at Bolton Clarke's Callisto Place]
