Growing older brings many opportunities to enjoy life, spend time with loved ones, and continue doing the activities that matter most. However, maintaining independence and wellbeing often requires a proactive approach. That's where empowering health becomes so important.
Healthy ageing isn't simply about avoiding illness. It's about staying strong, maintaining mobility, making meaningful connections, and continuing to live life with confidence. At Summit Health Solutions, we understand that ageing well involves more than healthcare alone. Through Summit Strong, we support older adults in building strength, improving wellbeing, and staying connected to their community. This program is supported by funding from the ACT PHN through the Australian Government's PHN Program.
By combining movement, nutrition, and social connection, Summit Strong helps eligible older adults take positive steps towards healthier, more active ageing.
What Does Healthy Ageing Look Like?
For many people, healthy ageing means being able to continue living independently, participating in favourite activities, and maintaining strong relationships with family and friends.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthy ageing is about maintaining the abilities that allow people to continue doing what they value most. This includes staying mobile, managing everyday tasks, maintaining relationships, making decisions, and contributing to their communities.
In practical terms, healthy ageing might mean:
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Walking confidently around the neighbourhood
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Participating in social activities
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Living independently at home
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Continuing hobbies and interests
While ageing naturally brings changes to the body, losing independence is not an inevitable part of growing older.
Empowering Health Through Movement and Strength
One of the most effective ways to support healthy ageing is through regular physical activity.
Many older adults assume that feeling weaker or less mobile is simply part of getting older. However, evidence suggests that lifestyle choices can play a significant role in maintaining physical function.
The MSD Manual Professional Edition explains that many declines commonly associated with ageing can be influenced by factors such as activity levels, nutrition, and overall lifestyle. Regular exercise can help maintain muscle strength, improve balance, support mobility, and enhance overall wellbeing.
This is important because strength affects nearly every aspect of daily life.
Simple activities such as:
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Climbing stairs
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Getting out of a chair
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Household tasks
all rely on maintaining strength, balance, and mobility.
When older adults stay physically active, they are often better equipped to continue living independently and confidently.
Why Nutrition Matters for Healthy Ageing
Physical activity is only one piece of the healthy ageing puzzle.
Good nutrition helps provide the energy and nutrients needed to support strength, maintain muscle mass, and promote overall health.
As people age, their nutritional needs may change. While calorie requirements may decrease, the need for important nutrients remains high. This means focusing on nutritious foods becomes increasingly important.
Healthy eating can help support:
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Muscle health
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Bone strength
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Heart health
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Immune function
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Energy levels
Nutrition and exercise work best together. When combined, they can help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life for longer.
For some individuals, personalised nutrition support can make a significant difference. That's why Summit Strong provides access to a dietitian when additional guidance is needed.
The Power of Staying Connected
When people think about healthy ageing, physical health often receives most of the attention. However, social wellbeing is just as important.
Research from National Seniors Australia highlights that older Australians often define community through the people and activities that are meaningful to them. Family members, friends, neighbours, healthcare professionals, volunteer groups, hobby clubs, exercise groups, and shared interests can all contribute to a strong sense of belonging.
For many people, community is not just a location—it is a network of relationships that provides support and connection.
Meaningful social connections can encourage people to:
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Stay active
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Maintain positive mental wellbeing
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Build confidence
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Participate in new activities
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Feel less isolated
This is particularly important as life circumstances change through retirement, health challenges, or the loss of loved ones.
How Summit Strong Supports Healthy Ageing
Summit Strong is built around three key elements of healthy ageing: staying active, eating well, and staying connected. Through personalised support and a welcoming community, the program helps older adults maintain their strength, confidence, and independence.
What Does the Summit Strong Program Involve?
Summit Strong is a 12-week healthy ageing program designed for ACT residents aged 65 and over who have been identified as frail or pre-frail by a GP or qualified health professional.
The program combines personalised exercise support, group telehealth sessions, nutrition guidance, and social connection opportunities to help participants build strength, maintain independence, and improve overall wellbeing.
Participants begin with an in-home physiotherapy assessment, followed by weekly one-on-one support and regular group exercise sessions. Additional support from a dietitian or social worker is available when needed.
As a government-funded program, Summit Strong is available at no cost to eligible participants. Referrals must be made through a GP or qualified health professional, as self-enrolment is not available.
Supporting Independence, Confidence, and Quality of Life
Many older adults want the same things: to stay independent, remain active, and continue enjoying life on their own terms.
The good news is that healthy ageing is not simply about avoiding illness. It is about taking positive steps to maintain physical strength, support good nutrition, and stay connected to others.
By bringing these elements together, Summit Strong helps older adults build confidence, improve wellbeing, and maintain the abilities that matter most in everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summit Strong?
Summit Strong is a healthy ageing program delivered by Summit Health Solutions for eligible people living in the ACT who have been identified as frail or pre-frail, including adults aged 65 years and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 50 years and over.
Is Summit Strong free?
Yes. This program is supported by funding from the ACT PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program. Eligible participants can access the services at no cost following referral by a GP or qualified health professional.
Can I refer myself to the program?
Yes. While referrals from a GP or qualified health professional are the preferred pathway, individuals can also contact the Summit Strong team directly to discuss their suitability and eligibility for the program.
What types of services are included?
Participants may receive a physiotherapy assessment, weekly in-home exercise sessions, group telehealth exercise classes, and additional support from a dietitian or social worker when needed.
Why does Summit Strong focus on strength, nutrition, and connection?
These three areas are closely linked to healthy ageing. Together, they help support mobility, independence, wellbeing, confidence, and overall quality of life as people grow older.
