Each week, between 60 and 80 older adults take part in Beating Hearts of Lismore – a free community-led intergenerational singing and movement program.
The program aims to foster social connections whilst promoting gentle physical activity. Social connection is vital across all age groups, particularly for older adults as it can help delay cognitive impairment and physical decline.
Beating Hearts of Lismore was founded by Lismore-based Geriatrician Dr Rachel Jones, who volunteers her time to coordinate and facilitate the group.
She said that the program has proven so popular, that unfortunately they don't have capacity for any additional participants.
Rachel, with the support of the healthy ageing team from the Health Promotion Unit, successfully obtained a $30,000 Connecting Seniors grant. This funding will be utilised to establish a new group, similar to Beating Hearts of Lismore, in another location and to introduce falls prevention dance classes.
“The initiative highlights the positive outcomes that can arise when clinicians engage with community members,” said NNSWLHD CE Tracey Maisey who attended a Beating Hearts gathering in March.
Beating Hearts of Lismore expresses gratitude to Forget Me Nots in Grafton for their mentoring support in establishing the Beating Hearts of Lismore program.
Find out more about an upcoming dance class or a singing group by contacting Leanne White on email.
