One man’s mission to get all over-60 Aussies healthy and active
As the owner and director of Active Seniors Health Centre, a leader in seniors exercise and health services in Australia, Taylor has helped many over-55s in their journey to great mind and body health. And he wants to help you on your health journey too.
Over60 sat down with Taylor to find out more about his first book and what you need to know to remain active and healthy for years to come.
What prompted you to write a book about healthy ageing?
I have wanted to write a book for a number of years as I feel there is so much positive information that can be given to over 60's on how they can stay healthy that people aren't aware of. We have had great success with our health workshops at Active Seniors Health Centre, but I wanted a way that can reach more people to spread the message further and a book is one of those ways.
What can readers expect to learn?
You will learn different strategies on how to improve physically, mentally and nutritionally. In particular, you’ll learn what are the keys to living long and healthy lives. All of the advice and information in the book is written in plain English (no technical jargon), simple to implement and easy to maintain. Simple tricks like how to improve your balance in 30 seconds a day or how much water should you be drinking in a day!
From your experience, why do you believe it so important for seniors to take their physical and mental health seriously?
We have seen over the past 11 years, those who remain more physically active have a better life. They are happier, have more energy, are less stressed, sleep better, feel better about themselves and have better relationships with others. I have seen this hundreds if not thousands of times, plus the research shows this.
Also, there is a direct link to how physically active someone is and their mental health and wellbeing. As a side note, we take health seriously at Active Seniors, but we aren't too serious. Having a laugh and not worrying too much is also an important factor in good health.
Why did you decide to donate the money made from the book to Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Research Foundation?
Yes, $15 of the $20 of the book will go to the foundation (basically everything but the cost of having the book printed). There are three reasons for my choice. Firstly, there is amazing research being done every day on Alzheimer's and dementia in general with very good progress being made. Every dollar counts in turning this potential research into a cure. Secondly, all of the messages about preventing dementia agree with our philosophies at Active Seniors around healthy ageing, so it was a natural fit. Lastly, my grandmother suffers from dementia and I see the impact that has on not only her, but my family as well.
Lastly, what do you hope to achieve with your book?
There are approximately 2.5 million people over the age of 65 in Australia who are not doing enough exercise, according to the research. Over half of this group is doing absolutely no exercise at all. In my lifetime, I want to make an impact on this number.
My goal is to get every Aussie over 60 exercising. It is a big commitment and it may not happen in my lifetime, but I will do my best to see it happen. I am dedicated to helping 50,000 people over 60 become more active over the next year and grow that number each year.