Frequently asked questions

Active and Healthy is an online directory of community-based programs for people aged 50 years and over. It includes general physical activity programs and physical activity programs aimed at preventing falls.

The directory is searchable, enabling NSW residents to find exercise programs in their area.

The Active and Healthy website also contains evidence-based health information for older adults. It includes advice about:

• the benefits of physical activity and ways to move more in everyday life
• strategies that can help lower the risk of falling
• the benefits of healthy eating and creating healthy habits.

Follow the below steps to find an exercise program in your local area:

1. Go to Find an Exercise Program
2. Type your town or suburb in the 'Location' box
3. Choose the distance you would like to search from the 'Distance' drop down box.
4. Click the 'Search Programs' button.

If no programs are available you can widen your search by choosing a larger distance in the 'Distance' field. 

If you receive a large number of responses you can narrow down your search by choosing a program type at the top of the page.

You can search the directory for fall prevention programs through the filter function. All prevention programs will have the "FP" symbol next to its listing.

To find an online or phone based program available across NSW, visit the Virtual Programs search. 

To narrow down the search, choose a program type at the top of the page.

You can search the directory for fall prevention programs through the filter function. All fall prevention programs will have the "FP" symbol next to its listing.

Exercise programs on Active and Healthy are either general physical activity programs or fall prevention programs.

A general physical activity program is a program that can help you get active, run by a qualified leader and is suitable for those 50 years and over.

A fall prevention program is an evidence-based program that aims to reduce the risk of falls through balance challenging exercises, programs can include strength and flexibility exercises and education. All fall prevention programs have the “FP” symbol next to their listing.

Progressive resistance training, also known as strength training, can prevent or improve frailty. If you're concerned about frailty, you can find a progressive resistance (strength) training program on Active and Healthy. 

To search for an exercise program, type in your location and desired search distance on the Find an Exercise Program page and select “Search Programs”. You can also search for online or phone based programs available across NSW by selecting “View Virtual Programs”. Use the filters at the top of the search to find a specific program that you’re interested in.

Find further information on each of the program types.

Printing the results of your Active and Healthy search can give you a snapshot of the physical activity programs in your local area.

The printed version of your search results will include the name of the program, address and contact information.

Follow these steps to print your search results:

• Go to Find an Exercise Program.
• Fill out your location and select the distance from the location you wish to search.
• Click “Search Programs”.
• This will take you to the search results for your chosen area.
• Click the blue printer icon at the top of your search results.

Staying active and on your feet, a NSW Health publication, is a detailed resource for older people. It’s a useful, practical guide for anyone over the age of 50, containing:

• safety checklists
• home exercises
• other helpful falls prevention information.

People who live in NSW can order the English version of the booklet for free. If you live outside NSW, you can download a PDF of the booklet and have it printed. The booklets are also available for download in Arabic, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Greek, Italian, and Vietnamese.

Order your free printed copy of Staying active and on your feet.

Download a printable PDF of this document.

Build your confidence, digital skills and safety online by visiting Be Connected, an Australian government initiative. 

You can access free online learning resources, subscribe to the Be Connected newsletter or join a community organisation who runs free computer classes across Australia.  

Healthy Ageing Online Learning

Healthy Ageing Online Learning helps you make small changes to improve your health and wellbeing.

Learn about healthy eating, getting active and falls prevention at your own pace from the comfort of your own home.

You can access:

• eight online learning modules with quizzes
• two online exercise circuits designed for beginners with videos so you can follow along at home
• fact sheets with helpful tips and information
• an exercise manual and logbook with images and easy-to-follow instructions

Get Healthy Service

All NSW older adults can access free phone and online health coaching through the Get Healthy Service. The Get Healthy Service offers coaching and online support to help you make lifestyle changes and reach your health goals.

The program can support you to:

• eat healthy
• be physically active
• drink less alcohol
• reach and stay a healthy weight

For more information on the Get Healthy Service or to register for the program, call 1300 806 258 or visit www.gethealthynsw.com.au

Visit our Staying active and healthy at home page for more ways to stay active, healthy and connected at home.