Stronger Through the Ages

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...

If resistance training were a pill, it would be prescribed to every older adult in the country. It lowers the risk of developing a raft of chronic diseases, and for those who already have one, it addresses the symptoms, in many cases, better than medication. In this episode, we jump deep into the concept that exercise is medicine and explore how strength training helps manage—and prevent—some ofth...

If you are going to invest time in resistance training you might as well be getting the best results possible and obtaining these starts with smart, evidence-based prescription, and a program designed to meet your needs. In this episode, we unpack the specifics of what works—how often to train, what intensity to aim for, and how to keep making progress over time. We also explore a few alternative...

From 95-year-old powerlifters to incredibly built influencers lifting shirtless in their 70s, social media is awash with extreme examples about ageing and exercise. Some are positive and inspiring, while other are unrealistic and unachievable.  But this isn’t the first time later life exercise has been tainted with “Fake news”. In this episode, we separate fact from fiction, debunk the myths that...

Positive ageing is more than just a buzzword—it offers a blueprint for living well as we age. National Seniors Australia tell us “Positive ageing is a concept that encourages us to embrace a natural process with enthusiasm and optimism. It’s about nurturing our physical and mental well-being, pursuing our passions, and finding fulfillment.” If we think about this as a pyramid of needs, at the bott...

Getting started and staying involved in allied health and exercise shouldn’t depend on your wealth or means—it should be about what you can gain and how you can benefit. From Medicare to aged care funding and even private health extras, there’s a surprising amount of support available for older Australians looking to get stronger and improve their health and wellbeing. But the trick to accessingth...

Getting stronger and healthy in later life is best facilitated by design. To build strength, regain mobility, and maintain independence, you need more than just good intentions. You need a support team that knows what they’re doing, a clear training prescription, and the confidence to push back against outdated advice. Hitting the gym is just the first step to being healthier and stronger. In this...

For an older adult, strength decline means declining independence. It’s a downward spiral—muscle declines, confidence drops, everyday tasks become harder, and before you know it, mobility, physical and social engage, and even mental health take a hit. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The evidence is irrefutable.  Movement is key, and when that movement is challenging, repetitive and done freque...