Australia’s veteran community is being urged to get active to overcome or prevent health problems and to maintain good health and wellbeing, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin said today on the eve of Veterans’ Health Week. Mr Griffin said Veterans’ Health Week, 24-30 August, is a time for veterans, war widows and widowers to ensure they include physical activities in their daily routine to help maintain good physical and mental health.

“Two-thirds of veterans, war widows and widowers supported by my Department are over 75 years of age, with veterans making up around 42 per cent of the Australian male population over 80 years,” Mr Griffin said. “Loss of vision and hearing, heart health and mobility are the most common health problems for older Australians.

“Keeping active increases muscle strength, keeps joints more flexible and can improve levels of independence, which is especially important for ageing veterans, war widows and widowers.” Mr Griffin said the Australian Government provided more than $4.8 billion in health care for the veteran community last financial year.

“Around one in three people over 65 reported taking a fall at least once a year and falls can result in severe injuries and hospitalisation for older people. Strength and balance exercises have been shown to reduce the risk of falls and I encourage the veteran community to use this week to find out how exercise can benefit them,” he said. “Veterans’ Health Week also promotes the range of programs offered to the veteran community by my Department, including the Heart Health exercise and healthy living program which has helped improve the health and wellbeing of more than 8000 veterans to date.”

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is working closely with ex-service organisations to hold fun activities during Veterans’ Health Week. Activities include dance lessons, team sports, walking groups, laughter workshops, strength and balance sessions, meditation and yoga classes, as well as health checks and information sessions with local health providers. Veterans’ Health Week encourages the veteran community to think about their health and to take part in regular exercise to live a stronger, healthier and happier life.