By Jayden Cox, Belgravia Leisure’s Product Development Manager.

At Belgravia Leisure, we believe that growing older should never mean slowing down — physically, socially or mentally.  

There are more than 4.2 million Australians over the age of 60 today, and that number is growing fast. Over the next twenty years, our 65+ population are expected to increase by an additional two million people. This rapid demographic shift will place enormous pressure on Australia’s healthcare system — particularly in the areas of chronic disease management, falls prevention, mental health and aged care services. 

But with this challenge comes an extraordinary opportunity. 

Health clubs – or in the not-so-distant future; health hubs – are uniquely positioned to play a preventative role, helping older adults stay well for longer, live independently and avoid unnecessary hospitalisation.  

Leading with evidence-based practice

With Australia’s population aging and the needs of our communities evolving, leisure centres are stepping up to meet this need. Increasingly, these ‘health hubs’ are becoming local centres of prevention, social connection and holistic wellbeing. For older adults, these hubs can be lifelines — places to regain strength, confidence and purpose. But only if we’re bold enough to reimagine what these spaces can offer. 

To meet the complex needs of an ageing population, we must design with intention. This means integrating evidence-based practice, tailoring support to individual capabilities and ensuring every interaction contributes not just to physical health, but to social and emotional resilience. 

B Active Longer is a specialised, research-backed program designed to help older adults stay strong, socially connected and mentally well. Through B Active Longer, older adults are supported to be more active, more often through programs that address the full spectrum of health: physical, social and mental. 

This carefully designed program aligns with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines on physical activity for older adults, and many of our venues now incorporate dedicated falls prevention exercises and regimes. From supported strength training to balance work and hydrotherapy, our programs are tailored to reduce risk and improve confidence in daily life. 

A program built for people, not just participation

One of the most powerful lessons we’ve learned is this: older Australians don’t want to be sidelined. They want to move with confidence, connect with peers and contribute meaningfully to their communities. 

That’s why our approach is grounded in meeting people where they are – physically, emotionally and socially – whether it’s in the gym, the pool, the walking track or over a cup of tea. The B Active Longer program includes: 

• Group exercise and low-impact movement sessions 
• Hydrotherapy and rehabilitation support 
• Supervised strength workouts tailored for seniors 
• Social events like coffee catch-ups, member breakfasts and community walks 

More than just a schedule of classes, it’s about creating a space where older adults feel they belong, and where wellbeing goes far beyond a workout. 

Physical, social and mental wellbeing: our three pillars 

We recognise that the health of older adults depends on more than physical movement, and particularly for older adults, we know that true wellness comes from the intersection of three pillars: 

• Physical: Safe, supported programs that improve mobility, balance, cardiovascular health and strength. 
• Social: Structured and organic opportunities to build friendships, reduce loneliness and foster community belonging. 
• Mental: Activities that boost confidence, reduce anxiety and depression and give people a renewed sense of purpose. 

These outcomes don’t happen by accident — they are designed through careful consultation with our communities, evidence-based programming and ongoing evaluation. 

Impact, retention and coaching quality 

Across our venues, we’ve seen powerful results.  

Older adults participating in B Active Longer programs have shown a noticeable increase in retention rates — in fact, they are some of our most loyal members. In one of Belgravia’s largest health clubs across all the older adult programs, a 92% occupancy rate was achieved over a six-month period. These programs don’t just attract; they sustain long-term engagement.  

Additionally, venues running structured older adult programs also report significantly higher Net Promoter Scores (NPS) — on average up to six times higher – which is a sign that members feel genuinely supported, valued and connected. 

Key to this success is the quality of our delivery. Our Health and Wellbeing coaches are trained in expert guides and supported by Belgravia Leisure’s in-house Exercise Physiologists. This ensures consistency, safety and a personalised approach across venues. 

For older adults with more complex pathologies, we have established referral pathways that allow our coaches to connect members directly with Exercise Physiologists. This integrated care model ensures we meet people where they’re at and provide them with the level of support they need. 

Looking ahead 

The evolution of our approach to helping older adults live well signals our intent to scale what’s working – and make it even better. We are investing in staff development, referral systems, digital tools like Active World and stronger links to allied health — creating sustainable, community-based health hubs for older Australians. 

Because this isn’t just about exercise. It’s about helping older Australians maintain their independence, rediscover their confidence and continue to lead full, connected lives. 

In a world that often overlooks older adults, we’re choosing to celebrate them. With B Active Longer, we’re not just helping people move more — we’re helping them live well, stay connected and feel like they truly belong.

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