Active Ageing Canberra: Building Movement & Purpose

Margaret Chen remembers the moment she realised she'd stopped moving. At 67, a day spent gardening left her sore for a week. A flight of stairs felt like a challenge. "I thought that was just getting old," she says. But when she joined a walking group at Lake Burley Griffin, something shifted. Within months, she wasn't just moving more—she was sleeping better, feeling stronger, and looking forward to her week.

Margaret's story reflects what experts increasingly understand about ageing: vitality isn't predetermined. How we spend our 60s, 70s and beyond depends largely on what we do today.

The Canberra Advantage

Living here, we're fortunate. Lake Burley Griffin's 35-kilometre circuit offers gentle, scenic walking options for all fitness levels. The ACT's cycling culture—with dedicated paths linking suburbs—makes low-impact cardio accessible. Community groups like running and walking clubs across Belconnen, Tuggeranong and Woden create accountability and friendship, both crucial for long-term wellness.

But beyond the parks, Canberra's universities bring research-backed wisdom to our doorstep. ANU and UC regularly host seminars on healthy ageing, strength maintenance and mobility—often free or low-cost for locals.

Three Things to Start This Week

First, identify your "why." Not "I should exercise," but something meaningful: playing with grandchildren, hiking Mount Majura, or simply feeling capable. Purpose drives consistency.

Second, prioritise strength over speed. Walking is wonderful, but adding basic resistance—bodyweight exercises, light dumbbells, or resistance bands—protects joints and bone density. ACT Health services can connect you with exercise physiologists if you'd like professional guidance.

Third, build community into your routine. Whether it's a Lake Burley Griffin walking group, a local cycling club, or classes at your neighbourhood community centre, moving alongside others transforms exercise from a chore into something anticipated.

A Different Approach to Ageing

Active ageing isn't about becoming athletic in your 70s. It's about maintaining strength, balance, and confidence so everyday life remains within your control. It's about discovering that your later years can involve new goals, new friendships, and renewed energy.

If you have specific health concerns, ACT Health's GPs and allied health teams are excellent starting points for personalised advice.

The question isn't whether you're "too old" to get fit. It's whether you're ready to discover what you're capable of. Canberra's landscape and community make that discovery wonderfully possible.

This article was compiled by AI from the sources linked above and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.