ActiveStrongerBetter; an initiative of the Hunter Ageing Alliance

A simple model for supporting healthy and active older adults

Background and Rationale

ActiveStrongerBetter (ASB) addressed the gap left by Heartmoves and ActiveOver50s, meeting high demand for safe, community-based exercise led by trained professionals. Built on the success of the Heart Foundation’s Heartmoves’ program, ASB responds to key challenges including the ageing population in Australia,¹ high rates of chronic disease, and falls among older adults.² It aligns with health policy priorities by providing a scalable, cost effective and impactful model that gets older people in Australia moving and promotes independence, confidence and healthy ageing.

Overview

The NSW Health-funded ASB pilot enabled Hunter Ageing Alliance and Novacare to establish an advisory consortium representing health, aged-care, research and community sectors across the Hunter region of NSW. The ASB model invests in a core program management team with expertise in exercise, health promotion, research, project management, business and education to design and deliver:

1. accredited AUSactive training for exercise professionals on supporting older adults to exercise safely and effectively
2. business support and promotion for community-based exercise programs delivered by the trained fitness professionals known as ASB leaders (who are independent operators)
3. community mobilisation through partnerships with local councils, non-governmental organisations and community organisations
4. health professional engagement including GPs and allied health professionals for referrals.

The pilot tested reach, acceptability, and scalability, creating a sustainable, evidence-based model for older adults to access safe, effective and enjoyable exercise.

Outcomes and Impact

ASB achieved strong reach and acceptability, with significant program and participant number growth across the Hunter region. Screening forms captured demographics, and standardised tests at rolling 6-month intervals (6-minute walk, sit-to-stand, timed up-and-go, balance) showed measurable improvements in strength, mobility, and balance. Qualitative interviews of participants revealed significant mental health benefits, social connection, and increased confidence – participants described ASB as “the social highlight of their week.” A Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) impact assessment, including a cost-consequence analysis, confirmed ASB as a sound investment, feasible for scale-up, and offering economic value through improved health outcomes and reduced falls risk.³

Investment and Funding

Across 2022–2025, a total of $562,000 was received in the form of government and community grants and donations. Additional in-kind support came from Novacare through overhead costs and management expertise.

Funds facilitated growth, evaluation and a scalability framework. HMRI’s cost-consequence analysis, identified ASB as a sound investment in a range of health indicators for older people in Australia.

Enablers and Lessons Learned

ASB’s success lies in its simple, integrated model combining three pillars:

• a trusted brand
• a core program management team
• a consortium of partners.

Embedding fun and social connection into safe, relevant exercise sessions for older adults created strong engagement. The fee-for-service approach provided choice for participants and business opportunities for AUSactive professionals, while offering health teams a clear referral destination.

The biggest challenge is an ongoing requirement for continued provision of evidence of physical benefits. While evaluation is critical, it should now focus on implementation, quality and reach.