More seniors would exercise, and exercise better, if classes were subsidised, a recent study by Monash University found.

Twelve-week exercise classes of low-to-moderate intensity led to “significant improvements in physical function” and decreased time sitting, a university media release stated.

The study primarily aimed to determine which factors made older Australians participate in community-based exercise classes.

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), formerly known as the Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science, commissioned and ran the classes all over the country. The classes were gym, circuits, yoga, pilates, balance, aerobics and aqua aerobics, with each participant paying an average of $8 per class.

“Exercise Right for Active Ageing” program involved 7,000 people over the age of 65 from every state and territory, including regional and remote areas. Many of the older Australians had high levels of comorbidity.

“So far, few studies of this scale have been completed in Australia so this research will help cement what we know about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of exercise for older adults,” said Dr Christina Ekegren of the Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre.

She conducted the study together with the Associate Professor Sze-Ee Soh, Associate Professor Darshini Ayton and Professor Helen Skouteris of the School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine.

According to the WHO Global Action Plan, up to 60 per cent of older adults around the world do not meet the current global physical activity guidelines. Access and costs have been cited as major barriers, and research suggests that older adults would benefit from receiving financial subsidies for group exercise classes.