Stronger Through the Ages

For years, we’ve talked about exercise and the brain in fairly simple terms—“it’s good for cognition,” “it helps memory,” “stay active.” But what if we could go further? What if we could actually m easure the age of the brain—and show thatexercise slows it down? That’s exactly what this new research set out to do. Not just looking at isolated brain regions, but asking a bigger question: Can resist...

High-Intensity Interval Training versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training — a debate that dominates exercise science. But what does this mean for older adults? Is HIITtoo demanding, or is it one of the most time-efficient ways to improve health? In this episode, we examine the evidence, risks, benefits, and clinical decision-making around these two dominant models. Article link - https://www....

For years, aged care has been measured in beds, care hours and compliance. But much simpler and probably far more important is: What actually matters to older Australians? Not in theory. Not in policy. But what people look for, what they choose and how they experience care. Today, we’re stepping slightly outside the traditional exercise lens to explore these perceptions. Because if we better under...

In this episode we continue to explore the opportunities for community clients and allied health providers to not only grow a great business but also enhance the health of their clients. Chris have been a Co-Director of Adelaide Exercise Physiology with Rueben Vaberzalm for almost 2 decades. And has been integral in build one of Adelaide's biggest exercise and allied health services. Stronger...

Community exercise services may be one of healthcare’s most powerful but underleveraged assets. They sit where behavior, accessibility, and long-term engagement meet. This episode explores how resistance training can scale beyond clinics into sustainable community models. And to talk us through this we are joined by Chris Ftingiannis. Chris have been a Co-Director of Adelaide Exercise Physiology w...

Strength training has long battled a perception problem — particularly for older adults. Fear of injury, confusion about equipment, and decades of “gentle exercise” messaging have shaped expectations. Yet organisations like Kieser have built entire clinical models around resistance training as medicine. Today’s conversation explores how structured, machine-based training fits into ageing, rehabili...

No gym membership. No expensive equipment. No excuses. Body weight training is one of the most accessible andunderappreciated tools for building strength — particularly for older adults. But can it really deliver meaningful results? In this episode, we explore how body weight exercise fits into resistance training principles, when it works best, and how clinicians can use it to remove barriers to...

When it comes to exercise in later life, one word is constantly misunderstood: intensity. Many older adults are told to “take it easy,” “just stay active,” or “don’t push too hard.” Yet the science tells a very different story. Intensity is not the enemy— it’s often the missing ingredient. In this episode, we unpack what intensity actually means, why it matters for strength, function, and longevit...

In todays episode we keep the conversation going with Deb Pickersgill, a senior exercise physiologist and cancer exercisespecialist who has worked extensively to integrate exercise into survivorship programs and aged care pathways. She build on her good news stories and reinforces why everyone at risk or with a diagnosis needs to get involved. Stronger Through the Ages is a podcast that champions...

Living with and beyond cancer brings unique physical andemotional challenges — but structured, supportive resistance training can play a pivotal role in recovery, resilience, and long-term wellbeing. Today we’re speaking with Deb Pickersgill, a senior exercise physiologist and cancer exercise specialist who has worked extensively to integrate exercise into survivorship programs and aged care pathw...

Cancer and its treatments can accelerate muscle loss, fatigue, and frailty — but exercise, particularly resistance training, is one of the most powerful tools we have to rebuild resilience and improve survival outcomes. In the second of our two part episode we continue our conversation with Professor Rob Newton. Rob is an internationally recognised exercise oncology researcher from Edith Cowan Uni...

Cancer and its treatments can accelerate muscle loss, fatigue, and frailty — but exercise, particularly resistance training, is one of the most powerful tools we have to rebuild resilience and improve survival outcomes. In the first of a two part episode we talk with Professor Rob Newton, an internationally recognised exercise oncology researcher from Edith Cowan University. Rob’s pioneering work...

For years, falls prevention has been a major research and policy focus, yet many older adults continue to fall unnecessarily. The challenge isn’t always a lack of knowledge of what works — it’s putting it into practice effectively. Dr Jennie Hewitt , an award-winning physiotherapist, researcher, and national leader in translating evidence-based exercise into aged care practice. Jennie is the lead-...

Falls remain one of the biggest threats to independence in older age, often marking the beginning of a downward spiral in health and confidence. But the evidence tells us falls are not inevitable — and structured exercise, especially resistance and balance training, is one of our strongest defenses. In this episode we’re joined by Professor Cathie Sherrington, a leading researcher from The Univers...

Understanding sarcopenia and frailty is one thing — but turning that evidence into action is where lives change. For older adults, building strength isn’t optional, it’s essential. In todays episode we’re joined by Dr Chris Bollen, a GP and national GP advocate for the integration of rehabilitation pathways as a part of usual care for older adults. Chris has worked extensively across aged care and...

Sarcopenia — the age-related loss of muscle mass and function — is now recognized as a major public health issue, directly linked to frailty, falls, and loss of independence. The good news? It’s reversible. Professor David Scott , a leading researcher from Deakin University whose work has shaped our understanding of sarcopenia, body composition, and physical performance in ageing. Stronger Through...

Living with chronic lung disease often means weakness,fatigue, and dependence. But resistance training offers a way to restore strength, improve daily function, and even make breathing easier. In this episode, we spotlight COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, and uncover how weight training is being woven into pulmonary rehab worldwide. Stronger Through the Ages is a podcast that champions...

Cancer changes lives, but it doesn’t have to define them. While chemotherapy and radiation save lives, they also leave behind fatigue, weakness, bone loss, and frailty. Resistance training is one of the most powerful tools survivors can use to rebuild their strength, reduce treatment side effects, and even improve survival. In this episode, we look at how lifting weights can transform cancer recov...

Frailty, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis are often seen asinevitable parts of ageing—but they’re not. Resistance training is the most effective medicine we have to rebuild muscle, strengthen bones, and delay disability. In this episode, we explore how weight training reverses sarcopenia, reduces falls, and helps older adults maintain independence for years longer. Stronger Through the Ages is a podca...

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in olderAustralians. While most people think of cardio for cardiac rehab, resistance training is now recognised as a cornerstone of heart health. In this episode, we examine how lifting weights lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, andreduces cardiac risk—often more effectively than medication alone. Stronger Through the Ages is a podcast tha...

Dementia isn’t just a cognitive disease—it’s a condition that strips independence, confidence, and physical function. But the story doesn’t end there. Resistance training has been shown to sharpen memory, improve executive function, and even slow the progression of dementia. In this episode, we explore how building muscle and strength can protect the brain as much as the body, and why exercise pre...

Kate Weger is the Head of Clinical & Governance, Hartmann, and a leading expert in nursing, skin integrity, and continence care. Kate brings a unique perspective on how resistance training intersects with core nursing priorities in aged care. Stronger Through Ages is a podcast about that the life-changing benefits of exercise for older adults - especially the often-underestimated power of weig...

Dr. Michael Inskip from James Cook University, is an academic whose research focuses on exercise physiology, ageing, and the integration of evidence-based exercise into clinical and aged care settings. Stronger Through Ages is a podcast about that the life-changing benefits of exercise for older adults - especially the often-underestimated power of weight-bearing and resistance training. Hosted by...

Jo Boylan, an experienced aged care leader and CEO known for driving innovative, evidence-based models of care. Jo has led large-scale service transformations that place reablement and resistance training at the heart of residential care delivery. Stronger Through Ages is a podcast that the life-changing benefits of exercise for older adults - especially the often-underestimated power of weight-be...

Simon Kerrigan, is the General Manager of Guide Healthcare, one of Australia’s leading allied health agencies. Simon has extensive experience delivering allied health services in residential aged care, ensuring evidence-based practice is applied where it matters most — on the floor, with residents. Stronger Through the Ages is a podcast that champions the life-changing benefits of exercise for old...