For our resident Clinical Exercise Physiologist Jack, physical and mental health go hand in hand.

It’s a philosophy he takes with him when seeing clients, either in their own homes, or at our on-site gym facilities.

“I’m always training to do something different – it might be learning how to dunk a basketball, or doing a triathlon,” Jack said.

“Mental health for me is tied up with physical health, and doing all these different things, it keeps it fresh.”

Jack recently took on his first ever triathlon, despite admitting he was not a “great” swimmer, hadn’t done much cycling, and had been neglecting his cardio.

“Triathlon was something I’ve always wanted to have a go at,” he said.

“I enjoyed the triathlon, it was a challenge to accomplish, it was also way outside my comfort zone, but it was great. I did a good time, and I think it’s something I will keep doing, maybe once a year.

“It’s good to challenge yourself, your body does get used to certain types of exercise, so you have to change it up. You see it all the time with big rugby league players who might be super fit but struggle to do a Pilates or yoga class.

“Personally, if I don’t move, I get anxious, and that overall wellness philosophy is what I take to our clients.”

Jack added seeing clients in their home environment could be “incredibly helpful”.

“It helps put them at ease, as often they would rather be at home than come into the gym,” he said.

“I meet a lot of people who have never exercised in their life, but it’s never too late. There’s always something that can be done, there’s always improvements that can be made.

“When you start exercising, particularly when you’re younger, it’s easy to see improvements straight away. As you get older that gets harder, but improvement is still possible.”

AQ Health’s individualised, person-centred practice means focussing on finding what appeals to each of our clients. And we take the same approach with exercise.

“I like to find something, anything, that they like,” Jack said.

“I’m not particularly a good dancer, but some of my clients used to like dancing, so we look into things like that.

“I try and help people incorporate exercise into their everyday life.

“So, for balance, some gentle push-ups using the kitchen bench while they’re waiting for their tea, or to sit and then stand up a few times a day.

“Exercise doesn’t need to be 20 or 30 minutes at a time, a little bit every day, even if that is only 5 or 10 minutes, is actually better.”

He added one of the most important aspects of working with older people, was helping them find their confidence.

“Often, they’ve talked themselves into ‘oh, I can’t do that’, but they just need a confidence boost,” Jack said.

“When it comes to falls in elderly people, especially when they have dementia, a fall can be life changing. Helping them maintain their balance and instilling confidence in them is so important.

“A big part of my job is education, which can be tough, a lot of older people are set in their beliefs, but I approach it as guidance. I don’t really tell them what to do, it’s more a conversation about how they feel, or I say to them, ‘well, here’s another perspective’.”

Jack is often praised by clients and their families alike for his patient approach, but he says the real patience is reserved for carers.

“I might only be there once or twice a week; these guys are there every day,” he said.

“Being able to help people is rewarding and that’s why I do it.”

Jack places a strong emphasis on enhancing Sit-to-Stand functionality for older Australians. This capability is essential as it directly influences their mobility, strength, and independence. The ability to rise from a seated position is fundamental for daily living, allowing older adults to perform tasks such as getting up from a chair, using the toilet, or getting out of bed without assistance.

Preserving this ability not only supports their physical independence but also boosts their self-esteem and confidence, significantly contributing to their overall psychological well-being.

With Jack’s support and services, older adults can maintain their independence and stay in their homes longer

Find out more about your local AQ Health services, email aqhealth@alzqld.org.au or call 1800 692 743 today.