It is one thing to age gracefully, but even more important to age healthily – something that Ballan residents can learn about thanks to mecwacare and Western Victoria Primary Health Network.
From 10–11.30am on Wednesday August 28, locals can educate themselves on nutrition and sustenance at a Healthy Eating Workshop for Older Adults.
Healthy ageing advisor Louise Mayall said the program gives elderly people a chance to “empower” themselves and “take charge” of their health.
“Giving these community members an education allows them to make the right decisions for themselves,” she said.
“It’s about knowledge of healthy eating and… maintaining habits to support the ageing body.”
Ms Mayall said there was a lot to unlearn as well as relearn for many elderly people.
“There’s a lot of things that we were told ages ago that are still stuck in people’s heads,” she said.
“We had a lady come in who was calorie counting, but that’s not really healthy.
“For the over 50s, and especially over 65s, it’s good to be a little overweight. If you get sick you will lose weight a lot quicker so you need to have it stored.”
The program is one that was requested by locals – a common approach, said Ms Mayall.
“I ask the community what they want to know about… and this workshop is one of the things that people wanted,” she said.
The session is split between Ms Mayall and dietician Nadiesharni Perera, who informs attendees on how they can shape their pantry to better serve their health.
