Thrive After 65! Ambassadors sought 

Published on 28 November 2019

Gannawarra Shire Council is looking for residents aged 65 years and older who undertake physical activities to become ambassadors for the Thrive After 65! Program.
 
Supported by the Federal Government’s Move It AUS Better Ageing Grant, the Thrive After 65! Program aims to help get residents throughout the Gannawarra aged 65 years and older to keep active.
 
“More than 27 per cent of the Gannawarra Shire’s 10,549 residents are aged 65 years and over, and it is important that all residents keep active to improve their health,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.
 
“Statistically, older people across the region have poorer health and wellbeing than the Victorian average. There are higher levels of obesity and chronic disease, and many older people have low levels of physical activity.
 
“Through the Thrive After 65! Program, we hope to get more seniors in the community moving and enjoying the benefits of regular physical activity.”
 
Residents who volunteer to become a Thrive After 65! Ambassador will play a role in helping their peers achieve at least 30 minutes of phyisal activitiy each day by being a role model.
 
“People who volunteer to become a Thrive After 65! Ambassador will be provided with free training and support, with their story regarding what physical activities they enjoy doing, to be promoted throughout the Gannawarra,” Mayor Learmonth said.
 
“It is important that we celebrate the role our older citizens play in keeping fellow residents active.”
 
If you would like to become a Thrive After 65! Ambassador, please phone Council on (03) 5450 9333 or email rachel.brooks@gannawarra.vic.gov.au

ABOVE: An example of a Thrive After 65! Ambassador's story.