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Locking down on health and wellness

While states around Australia still live with COVID-19 restrictions, The AJN looks at ways older adults can use this time to focus on their physical and mental health.

By Hannah Schauder October 17, 2021, 9:00 am Edit

Get savvy

An easy way to increase protection against catching COVID-19 is by getting your groceries and essential items delivered to your home through ordering online or purchasing over the phone. Your doctor may also be able to arrange for your prescriptions to be sent directly to your preferred pharmacy, which then can be delivered to your home, allowing you to stay at home.

Get active

Keeping active at home, alongside regular walks outdoors, is not only beneficial for your long-term wellbeing, but a great way to keep moving while staying in lockdown. Some tips for effective regular exercise are:

  • Try and be physically active for 5 minutes every hour.
  • Use your kitchen bench for stability to do exercises such as walking sideways, rising up on your toes or marching on the spot.
  • Put on some music, a podcast or audio book to listen to while you exercise to keep yourself motivated.
  • Do an exercise during television advertisement breaks, such as light stretches.
  • Stand up from your chair 10 times to work on your strength and balance.

‘Moving For Life’ is a Facebook page that also offers a variety of free online classes designed to promote healthy and active ageing for older Australians of any health and fitness level.

Get well

Fear and anxiety related to the uncertain times we live in can be overwhelming. While it can feel like these events are out of your control, there are things you can do to keep your mind calm in stressful moments:

  • Maintain healthy diet, exercise and sleep habits.
  • Discuss your worries or concerns with loved ones or friends.
  • Engage in hobbies and enjoyable activities. If you require further assistance with your mental wellbeing, there are a range of services available:1. The Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Services on 1800 512 348 can provide more information about managing stress and support options.2. The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line on 1800 171 866 can connect you with any services you need, as well as provide mental health assistance. If you know anyone living with dementia, the hotline can also connect them to a trained Dementia Australia adviser.

    3. The Beyond Blue hotline at 1300 224 636 offers accredited mental health professionals who provide phone counselling service 24 hours a day.

    4. The Head to Health website provides resources for helping to cope with anxiety or worry. With any of these services, if you prefer to speak in a language other than English, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask for your language.

Get connected

Research has found that while there have been negative impacts of COVID-19 on seniors’ social lives, technology has become a vital tool to retain communication and connection with friends and family.

Apps with messaging and video-calling capabilities (such Facetime, WhatsApp and Zoom) can enable you to easily connect with friends and family for free with just an internet connection, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones even during restrictions.

The Friend Line Telephone Support Service at 1800 424 287 is also a free and anonymous telephone service for senior Australians to chat with a volunteer.

The Community Visitors Scheme additionally connects older Australians with volunteers to spend time with them on a regular basis. During the lockdown this service can be accessed through virtual friendship over the phone.

For more information on the services mentioned, call the respective numbers or visit websites such as: health.gov.au/node/18602/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-older-people-and-carers or seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/services-information/social-support-hub/staying-healthy

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