12 February 2021 

Action from the 2021 New Zealand Masters Games.

The positive response to its involvement in the New Zealand Masters Games has delighted Whanganui District Health Board.

The DHB joined the Games as Health Partner for this month’s event in Whanganui, running a series of balance and stretching classes; exercises for wheelchair users; and seminars on health and wellbeing to arrest the ageing process.

DHB physiotherapists also attended a number of the sports, giving assistance with injuries and injury prevention.

Alex Kemp, Chief Allied Professions Officer, who spearheaded the DHB’s involvement, said partnering with the Masters Games was a great fit as physical activity could slow down the ageing process, contributed to good mental health and helped people connect with one another. 

“Healthy ageing is a big driver of the work the DHB does. Fit and connected people are less likely to have on-going health conditions and need medical care,” she said.

“We have been very pleased with the response from the community as people have come along to find out more about healthy ageing and exercise, diet, brainpower and the growing technology which can help us as we age.”

The DHB will continue the healthy ageing kaupapa beyond the Masters Games with various initiatives, and it has set up a page on its website -- https://www.wdhb.org.nz/your-heath/healthy-ageing/ -- and an Instagram account (healthy.ageing.nz) which will carry more tips on how getting older does not have to mean physical and mental decline.

“People are living longer,” said Alex. “We want them to live better for longer.”