No better time to look at the future than at the beginning of a New Year. In this instant, it’s about improving the health and well-being of older queer people as that sector of our community keeps growing every year. In New South Wales. Australia the leading LGBTQ health organization ACON has announced a new initiative for them called ‘Fitter for Life & LOVE’
Participants will engage in a fabulous, tailored exercise class from the safety and comfort of their home – and will have the opportunity to increase online connections, access professional support from Gymnastics NSW Fitter For Life clubs and learn more about the LOVE Project.”
The program will also feature a community icon, peer leader, or celebrity drag personality as a program facilitator, including drag performer Vanessa Wagner.
This initiative combines Gymnastic NSW’s Fitter For Life program and ACON’s Pride in Sport and the LOVE Project -plus it seeks to reconnect older LGBTQ+ people 55 years old and over, with organized physical activity. When the Program was first announced ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill said, “We know from both research and our work with older people in our communities that many face unique challenges in accessing healthcare and organized sport. “Given the link between positive health and physical activity, this is unsurprisingly evidenced by older LGBTQ+ people’s disproportionate rates of chronic disease, including heart disease.”
Studies have demonstrated the negative health impacts that discrimination and prejudice experienced by many LGBTQ+ people have had on them over their lifetimes. This is compounded by a general disconnect from organized sport and physical activity, in addition to adverse health outcomes demonstrated across the LGBTQ+ population as a result of discrimination.
For more information visit: https://www.fitterforlife.org.au/
BUT we are sure that if you look hard enough there is probably a similar group in your part of the globe too
Labels: 2024, ACON, Fitter for LIfe and Love, NSW Australia, older gay men
