Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA073
Sunday, 23 August 2009
AUSTRALIA’S VETERANS URGED TO GET ACTIVE
Veterans’ Health Week, 24-30 August
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. For more information on
Media inquiries: Belinda Cole 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
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