In the lead up to R U OK? Day in September 2021, Home Instead Sunshine Coast & Gympie launched Nutrition and Exercise Workshops in collaboration with the local Maroochydore Men’s Shed.

These programs are designed to help widowed or older men focus on healthy ageing, falls prevention and maintaining long-term independence.

The two programs are:

  • Cooking Classes for older Australians who would like to learn new skills in the kitchen and that provide them with real skills to make the conscious decision to eat better and feel better. The cooking class will be accompanied by expert presentations on dietary advice by qualified Dieticians and their own Home Instead CAREGivers with professional cooking experience providing demonstrations on how to prepare some simple and nutritious meals.
  • An exercise program to improve participants’ health, particularly heart and lung conditions, increasing muscular strength, enhancing coordination and improving balance and spatial awareness. People over the age of 65 require the appropriate fitness levels to help them maintain their independence, recover from an illness and reduce the risk of developing diseases. These programs have been designed and facilitated by Home Instead CAREGivers with professional fitness experience with all gym equipment being generously donated by Anytime Fitness Currimundi.

These programs run every month with an increasing number of participants getting involved.

Many of the Shed members are of the generation where men didn’t spend much time honing skills in the kitchen, however, recognising the intrinsic link between a healthy diet and wellbeing, members have shown real interest in developing these skills in their later years to stay active and independent.

“These initiatives help them to eat properly, to maintain their health and wellbeing as well as open up new platforms for social engagement, which is what the collaboration between Home Instead and The Men’s Shed is all about. We feel Men’s Shed aligns perfectly with Home Instead values,” said co-owners Falon & Glen Fredrickson.