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Every day people are coming together to improve their health and wellbeing, make a contribution to the community, make new friends or simply get out and about.
Explore the activities' directory on our Activities for over 55 page to find something of interest to you.
Spark your creativity
Exercising the creative part of your brain is shown to have benefits for your health and wellbeing. Picking up a paintbrush or a ukulele can work wonders for your cognitive health and mood.
Watch Alan talk about his passion to paint and to teach others in the Add Life to Your Years - Painting with Alan video on our Boroondara YouTube channel.
Join a music group, book club or one of the many creative activities and courses at your local neighbourhood house, community centre or University of the Third Age. To spark your creativity, check out all the arts, crafts, music and writing on offer in the activities' directory on our Activities for over 55 page.
Activate your mind
Learning new things and keeping your brain active can reduce the rate of cognitive decline as you age, and it can be a lot of fun.
Watch Susie talk about the joy she has found from learning at the University of the Third Age (U3A) in our Add Life to Your Years - Learning with Susie video on our Boroondara YouTube channel.
Join a learning activity, event, workshop, or training at one of our libraries. Consider the University of the Third Age which offers courses, discussion groups and lectures on a wide range of subjects including history, maths, science, philosophy, cultures of the world, languages, technology, and arts appreciation.
Browse our activities' directory to find activities and courses that will activate your mind on our Activities for over 55 page.
Be fit and active
Getting regular exercise as we age is important. Exercise reduces the risk of many health conditions. It can give us energy, help us maintain a positive mood and keep us strong. Aim for 30 minutes of medium intensity exercise, such as a brisk walk, on most days. Find out more about this recommendation on the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care website.
Be inspired by watching Bill, who is a fitness instructor at the young age of 90, in the Add Life to Your Years - Aqua aerobics with Bill video on our Boroondara YouTube channel.
Take a fitness or yoga class, swim in a pool, ride a bike, join a walking group, take up a new sport like bowls or bocce, or learn tai chi. Whatever your age, interest and ability, there is something that will suit you. Find activities to help you get active on the activities' directory on our Activities for over 55 page.
Become savvy with technology
Technology can be a wonderful way to stay in touch with others, especially friends and family who live interstate or overseas. It can help make your life easier in many ways, such as by paying your bills or doing your grocery shopping online.
Using technology might be a bit daunting at first, but there are many programs and resources that can help you. This includes learning to be safe online. If you don't have a computer, you can use one at any of our libraries.
Search our activities' directory for activities, classes and resources to help you upskill on our Activities for over 55 page.
You can also find free online courses and resources for learning more about technology on the Australian Government's Be Connected website.
Get out and about
There are lots of experiences on offer in Boroondara to tempt you out of the house and connect you with your community and with our natural environment.
Search for markets, parks and gardens, arts and cultural events, and festivals on our Activities for over 55 page.
Strengthen your social life
Having a strong social life in older age slows down the brain's ageing process. It makes us happier, less lonely and more fulfilled.
Watch Yen talk about how much she loves being involved in her community in the Add Life to Your Years - Creating Community with Yen video on our Boroondara YouTube channel.
There are lots of ways to improve your social life. Volunteering, joining a club like Probus or Rotary, and being involved in a community garden or your local men's shed, are all ways of meeting people and connecting with your community. The City of Boroondara has over 40 social clubs and groups with a focus on active ageing.
Explore our activities' directory for social clubs and groups near you on our Activities for over 55 page.
Bring all the action home
Spending time at home doesn't mean missing out. You can still exercise, be social, connect with nature, and learn new things.
Using technology, you can join an exercise class, do a course, connect with a social group, or explore an art gallery. You can read books online or our Home library service will bring books to you.
Discover options for staying active and connected with others without leaving your house on our Activities for over 55 page.
Be informed about your health
Take control of your health and wellbeing as you age by being informed on topics important to healthy ageing, including:
brain health
heart health
healthy bones and joints
healthy eating
staying positive
immunisations and health checks.
The Victorian Government's Better Health Channel gives you the latest evidence-based health and wellbeing information.
Get your vaccinations
It’s important to know about the vaccinations you need as you age and at key times in your life, including travel and the arrival of new grandchildren.
For more information about the vaccinations you might need, visit Immunisations for older people.
Health advice
NURSE-ON-CALL provides immediate, expert health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1300 60 60 24
If your situation is an emergency, call 000 or go to a hospital emergency department.