Healthy, happy you

CBD residents should be a healthy lot. We walk across the city, enjoy great restaurants, have access to parks, gyms, yoga, tai chi, dance, sport and world-class medical services. But is that enough? What does the science say about staying well?

Health is a topic we are constantly told to think about: what we eat, how much we move, our strength, flexibility, mental health, stress, supplements and disease prevention. It can be difficult to know how to get the balance right.

At previous Residents 3000 events, we have explored the difference between “lifespan” and “health span”. Lifespan is not entirely within our control, but maintaining the best possible health for our age is something we can work towards.

That will be the focus of the next Residents 3000 forum, Healthy You!, on Thursday, July 2 from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Kelvin Club.

The event will feature three speakers.

Dr Arman Rashid, a Residents 3000 committee member and mental health professional, will discuss mental health self-defence and resilience techniques.

Darren Templeton, founder of Run the Tan and chair of Run for Mental Health Ltd, will speak about the importance of movement, connection and community.

Hamish McConnell, senior exercise scientist at Kieser, will explain the science of strength training.

Darren will share his personal journey and the story behind one of Melbourne’s most iconic community participation events. Through the lens of movement, connection and community, he will explore how simple everyday actions can improve wellbeing, strengthen resilience, foster belonging and help create healthier people and stronger communities.

Hamish will represent Kieser, a long-term sponsor of Residents 3000, and provide insight into why strength training becomes increasingly important as we age.

Many of us notice everyday tasks becoming harder over time: getting up from a low chair, carrying shopping or climbing stairs. These small challenges can increase with age, but they do not have to.

As we age, muscles naturally lose strength. Staying busy is important, but walking, gardening and daily chores are usually not enough to build or maintain muscle strength. Muscles need the right kind of challenge.

That does not mean pain or pushing too far. With guidance from an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist, strength training can be safe, targeted and effective. The reward can be more energy, better balance and greater confidence to keep doing the things we enjoy.

It is never too late to start. Many older Australians begin strength training in their 70s, 80s and beyond. Some want to manage pain or recover from injury, while others want to travel, cycle, volunteer or spend more active time with family. Two sessions a week can be enough to see meaningful change.

Residents 3000 is also considering a special visit to the recently renovated Kieser Melbourne CBD clinic on the corner of Collins and King streets. Members would be introduced to the clinic’s calm, scientific approach and specialist training equipment.

Members should also note the upcoming “AGM with a difference” on Thursday, August 6 from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Kelvin Club. The evening will include entertainment, formal proceedings, a city update with Lord Mayor Nick Reece and refreshments.

Further details are available at residents3000.org.au •