Program details

OASIS is a uniquely designed age-friendly space with bespoke equipment in the beautiful grounds of Uniting War Memorial Hospital.  Under the guidance of health professionals participants in the OASIS program exercise in a way that:

1. Promotes physical activity for rehabilitation and healthy ageing,
2. Is safe and secure,
3. Is fun, unique, and enriched by being outdoors in nature. 

Exercises target the key physiological domains important to ageing well such as balance, lower limb strength and functional activities.  The Program is supported through research with empirical evidence about safety, feasibility and effectiveness around the use of a dedicated outdoor exercise park for older people.

Participants attend 2 sessions/week for 7 weeks in small groups of up to 8 people. 

Leading physiotherapists provide individual guidance to participants about how to perform exercises both safely and effectively.  Exercises are progressed over the weeks and education provided regarding falls prevention and building motivation and confidence to continue for a further 7 weeks in a semi-supervised setting before progressing to independent group exercise. 

Participants will need a Doctors referral to the WMH outpatients physiotherapy service. Referrals are sent to the Northern Network Access Referral Centre (NNARC) TEL: 9369 0400 FAX: 9369 0101 EMAIL: SESLHD-NNARC@health.nsw.gov.au

Once the referral is received, the participant will be contacted by a physiotherapist for an initial assessment to understand individual’s specific needs and goals and ensure suitability for the group, other more suitable WMH groups may be suggested.

Opening hours:

Currently running Tuesday and Friday mornings 9-10am.

Program times vary. 

Cost:

Free

Target age:

65 Plus

Participants who would not be suitable for the program:

Inclusion criteria:
- People with deconditioning post hospitalisation or surgery
- People not physically active (not meeting Australian guidelines of 150minutes/week, moderate activity)
- History of falls and/or fear of falling
- Independently mobile outdoors (with or without a walking aid)

Exclusion criteria:
- People who need to standby assistance/assistance with mobility
- People with cardio-respiratory conditions who are deemed not suitable for moderate-high intensity training.
- People with acute joint injuries and post-surgery
- People with significant cognitive decline so that they cannot follow 2-step instructions.
- People who cannot stand and exercise for 15 minutes at a time.

Special requirements or conditions:

Participants should wear clothes and shoes that are suitable for exercise. As the class is outdoor ensure you wear a hat and apply sunscreen before attending. Bring water bottle, which can be filled at the local bubbler.

Refreshments are available for at our WMH coffee shop just nearby - Cafe Manos.

Minimum experience:

Beginner

Leader qualifications:

Physiotherapist

Healthcare clearance requirement:

Yes