Ministry of Health media release January 30, 2013
Guidelines To Help Older New Zealanders Stay Healthy
The Ministry of Health is issuing physical activity guidelines to help New Zealanders aged 65 years and over live
longer, healthier, and more independent lives.
The advice for health practitioners is a first in New Zealand, and the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Don Mackie, says it
draws on evidence from around the world.
These are some of the key recommendations for older people aged 65 years and over:
•Spend more time being physically active and less time sitting down.
•any activity is better than nothing, and it all adds up.
•Daily activities like walking to the shops, vacuuming, or gardening, all count.
•Aiming for at least 30 minutes of activity, five days a week, that increases breathing and heart rates is ideal – such
as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or playing with grandchildren
“Ideally, people will be adding in activities that promote flexibility and balance – such as carrying shopping,
stretching, and golf,” says Dr Mackie.
He says keeping older New Zealanders healthy is important on several levels.
“People are living longer – and we want to see that those years are spent in good health. Healthy active older people
are able to make positive contributions to whanau, communities and wider society for longer.
“Additionally, like health systems around the world, we face significant challenges in responding to an ageing
population. We want to help older New Zealanders stay active, independent and to prevent illness, rather than focusing
only on treating ill-health.”
Dr Mackie says physical activity, along with good nutrition, is a key contributor to healthy living, and can help in
preventing and managing certain chronic conditions.
He says it’s important that people talk to their doctor before starting or increasing physical activity, and the
guidelines also include specific recommendations for older people who are frail.
“This is about starting off slowly, and building up to the recommended daily activity levels.”
While the guidelines are aimed at health practitioners, the Ministry will also be producing a simple factsheet and
information for the public to access.
The full guidelines can be found here:
ENDS