Australians have been urged to become more physically active to reduce chronic disease and mental health disorders or risk a continuing decline in average life expectancy.
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) says a new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) showing the first drop in life expectancy since the 1990s is a massive wake-up call for people of all ages.
The nation’s peak body for exercise and sports science practitioners has compelling evidence that physical activity is an effective treatment and preventative health measure for the growing burden of disease.
According to the AIHW Report, 6 in 10 Australians now live with one chronic condition, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, dementia and depression, with this figure likely to increase in coming years with more diagnoses of multiple chronic conditions.
Meanwhile, mental health disorders are impacting greater numbers of young people with a 50 per cent increase over the past 17 years, notably among young females.
With the nation spending $241.3 billion on health goods and services in 2021-22 – 6 per cent higher than the previous period – preventable lifestyle diseases are placing a huge burden on the public health system.
Exercise & Sports Science Australia Acting CEO Carmen Jenkinson said that AIHW’s latest national health report was an alarming wake-up call for anyone not undertaking regular physical activity.
“Physical activity is an easily modifiable risk factor when it comes to chronic disease and mental health disorders,” she said. “There is compelling evidence that supports physical activity as an extremely effective preventative and management treatment for many of these conditions.
“We need greater physical activity interventions to support more Australians in living independent and fulfilling lives.
“Exercise and accredited exercise professionals must be taken seriously in mainstream healthcare as a first-choice approach to address physical and mental wellbeing.
“Only an accredited exercise professional can deliver exercise programs that are safe, enjoyable and effective, specific to each person’s needs and goals.
“We are calling on the Federal Government to treat Accredited Exercise Professionals equitably and remove the GST on their services in parity with 21 other allied health services. This will make professional exercise physiology services more accessible and affordable, helping more Australians to stay healthier for longer."