Living well
Living well as we age means staying active, engaged, and informed so we can continue to live independently, maintain our health, and enjoy the things that matter most to us.
Here you’ll find helpful tips, resources, and programs to support your journey toward healthy eating, regular activity, and positive lifestyle habits.
Exercise
Regular movement can help maintain strength, balance, flexibility, and confidence. Being physically active supports good mental health, helps prevent falls, and makes daily tasks easier.
Find a free or low-cost exercise program near you using the NSW Health Active and Healthy directory
Access online learning modules, quizzes, beginner-friendly exercise videos, fact sheets, and a physical activity manual with easy-to-follow instructions
Learn about falls prevention and ways to include more movement into your everyday life, no matter your current fitness level
Nutrition
Good nutrition is one of the most powerful tools you have to support your health. Eating well can help you stay active, maintain energy and manage or prevent many common health issues.
Here are some basics
1
Eat a variety of foods from the five key food groups
Vegetables and legumes/beans
Aim for a rainbow of colours
Fruits
Fresh, frozen, or canned in juice with no added sugar
Grain foods
Mostly wholegrain and high-fibre, like wholemeal bread, pasta, and brown rice
Lean proteins
Including fish, eggs, tofu, nuts, and seeds
Dairy or calcium-rich alternatives
Mostly reduced fat, or fortified plant milks
2
Limit “sometimes” foods like take-away, biscuits, soft drinks, and alcohol, which can be high in salt, sugar, or saturated fat
3
Drink plenty of water, and if you drink alcohol, aim for moderation — no more than one or two standard drinks per day, and not every day
Helpful resources
These services and resources can support you to make positive changes
- You can check how much of each food group you need based on your age and gender using a food calculator.
- Get Healthy Service NSW offers free phone and online health coaching for older adults to help you eat well, be active, drink less alcohol, and reach or maintain a healthy weight. To register, call 1300 806 258 or visit the Get Healthy NSW website to get started.
- Healthy Eating Active Living provides clear, easy-to-understand tips on healthy eating, portion sizes, balance, variety, and how to make small, realistic changes to improve your diet.
- You can also explore healthy recipes, smart shopping tips, and ways to build healthier habits into your daily life.
- The NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council) has developed a set of Dietary Guidelines for Older Australians
Savings
Looking after your finances is an important part of living well as you age. Finding ways to save money, stretch your budget, and make the most of available discounts can help reduce stress, improve your sense of security, and free up resources for the things you enjoy.
We’ve put together a helpful Little Book of Savings with tips, offers, and discounts designed to help older adults in NSW make the most of their money and live well with confidence.