Yinnar Exercise Program

The Yinnar Health and Wellbeing Program was run by the Yinnar and District Memorial Hall Committee and funded by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR). CERC (formerly CEU) was contracted by the Yinnar and District Memorial Hall Committee to evaluate the program through 2019.

The primary focus of the Yinnar Exercise Program 2019 was to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults living in the Gippsland region by removing the barriers to participation in facilitated health and wellbeing activities.

The classes catered for seniors of various abilities, with the exercise therapist adapting and modifying the exercises accordingly. Tai Chi was consistently practised along with exercises involving strength, balance and mobility to assist with daily living and general wellbeing.

CEU evaluation

CEU Research Team

    • Associate Professor Joanne Porter (Lead)
    • Dr Michael Barbagallo
    • Elissa Dabkowski
    • Val Prokopiv
 

The aim of the CEU evaluation was to analyse the impact of the program by developing an understanding of the participant’s motivation for attending the program and the effect the program had on social connectedness.

Key findings

Results of data analyses showed that the program successfully delivered free weekly health and wellbeing classes for twelve months to a consistent number of participants with some significant positive outcomes. The program was adaptive in design so that it met the individual needs of each participant. Participants reported improvements in their physical health and in their confidence. Results also showed that the program had a positive impact on the social connectedness of participants.

Yinnar Exercise Program Report (PDF, 2.7MB)

Yinnar Exercise Program Summary Report (PDF, 2.8MB)

They’re remaining independent and they are staying in their own homes. Now, that’s probably the biggest thing of all.

The CEU’s key recommendation for the program was that:

Yinnar Exercise Program continues to deliver facilitated weekly exercise programs for seniors in Gippsland, building on the trust that has developed over the last twelve months, ensuring that physical activity and social connection remains a key focus for the health and wellbeing of the region.