In a significant boost for our local communities, a group of 10 passionate leaders have completed an intensive leadership training program, equipping them with the skills to spearhead Active Mindsteps—an innovative initiative designed to drive positive change for senior citizens.

Active Mindsteps aims to maintain cognitive and physical function, while enhancing the existing skill sets of residents aged 60 and over. Held in group settings, the workshops foster social interaction among like-minded peers, reducing the risk of social isolation.

“Our perception of ageing has evolved dramatically,” explained Dr. Christa Wood, program director. “With advances in medicine increasing life expectancy, today’s seniors are more focused on staying active, engaged, and living life to the fullest. However, alongside these advancements, cognitive decline has become more prevalent, with dementia-related diseases now the second leading cause of death in Australia.”

Research shows that cognitive and physical activities, combined with social engagement, can delay the onset of cognitive decline and lessen its symptoms. Active Mindsteps directly addresses these factors through regular workshops featuring cognitive exercises, physical movement, and social interaction.

The program draws inspiration from SelbA (short for selbstaendig und activ or "independent and active"), a highly successful initiative in Upper Austria that has been running for over 30 years. With more than 255 workshop leaders and 7,000 participants, SelbA has demonstrated its effectiveness in a longitudinal study by Professor Oswald from the University of Erlangen in Germany. The study confirmed that group-based cognitive and physical activities are more effective than individual exercises.

The training for Kiama's Active Mindsteps leaders was conducted by experienced SelbA trainer Ursula Hirscher from Austria. Over the course of four weeks, the 10 leaders—hailing from diverse professional and community backgrounds—were trained to deliver engaging, impactful workshops starting February 2025 across the Kiama region, Illawarra, and Shoalhaven areas.

Workshops will run in 90-minute sessions over 8–10 weeks and will be held multiple times a year. A small fee will cover hall hire and other operational costs.

“This training has been an eye-opening experience,” said Sandy Ruecroft, one of the newly trained leaders. “It’s equipped me with the tools to organise workshops and facilitate activities that will have a real and lasting impact.”

Fellow leader Mark Wilmott echoed her sentiments, saying, “This project gives me a chance to give back to the community. It’s about creating opportunities for our ageing population to stay active and enjoy their senior years.”

Dr. Wood added, “Our goal is to develop a network of leaders who are not only skilled but also deeply passionate about making a difference. These workshops are designed to be fun, engaging, and targeted to meet the needs of our senior community.”

Active Mindsteps is set to empower seniors to stay independent, active, and engaged, helping them live younger, longer, while continuing to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

For more information, email [email protected] or contact Dr. Christa Wood at 0416 202 678.