Many seniors from Forster, Tuncurry, Coomba Park, Tea Gardens Hawks Nest, Stroud, Bulahdelah, Nabiac and the surrounding area attended Seniors Health Forums in January, where the benefits of leading an active lifestyle were explored and local opportunities were discussed.

The aim of the forums was to launch three major parts of the Stepping Out Program.

Over 15000 copies of the Active Seniors Calendar, which showcases our local active seniors and also offers some helpful tips on falls injury prevention, have been produced and distributed free to residents throughout our communities in the Great Lakes.

The second publication launched at the forums was the Active and Older Directory, a handy pocket guide to all the available physical activities for over 55s in the Great Lakes region. It is also available free at all council district offices and other outlets.

The final element launched was the Stepping Out film, which followed the progress of the program throughout the Great Lakes in 2007.

It introduces our active seniors winners and features some great falls injury prevention information.

“Our feedback is that those who attended enjoyed themselves and, more importantly, got in touch with some great local options for further improving their general health and well being” Great Lakes Council community development coordinator Amanda Ellis said.

“Also, as a result of the forums, we have built on our grassroots community networks and we hope together to be able to work on improving the health and lifestyle of our older residents in future projects.”

The Stepping Out film is available for showing at any community group meeting, and service clubs, church and sporting groups are all welcome to contact council to arrange a free screening.

For further information about the Stepping Out Program resources, please contact the community development officer for ageing Melissa Bawden on 6591 7493.