Health Archives - FIFTY+SA

Strong after 50

Staff Writer — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:49:59 +0000

Here’s something the fitness world has been slow to shout about: lifting weights, properly heavy weights, may be one of the most powerful things you can do for your health after 50. Not gentle resistance bands. Not the two-kilogram dumbbells gathering dust in the corner. We’re talking real, progressive strength training. Done well, with good technique and the right guidance, it’s transformative. Here’s the science in plain English. From our mid-thirties onwards, muscle mass naturally begins to decline, a process that picks up pace with each passing decade. Left unchecked, it’s the reason everyday tasks start to feel more challenging:

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SAHMRI’s fight against atherosclerosis, Australia’s biggest killer

Staff Writer — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:01:12 +0000

Ba-boom, ba-boom, ba-boom When you were younger you were probably living for the moment, not the future. Decades on, you may be paying the price … and you might not even know it yet. Australia’s biggest killer builds up quietly over time, is hard to detect and can strike without warning. It’s called atherosclerosis – a build-up of fatty plaque in the arteries causing them to narrow and harden. Never heard of it? Perhaps you’ve heard of coronary heart disease, dementia and stroke. They’re the trio responsible for taking the lives of some 50,000 Australians a year. Atherosclerosis is a

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The new rules of a good night’s sleep

Staff Writer — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:57:31 +0000

We’ve long been told that sleep is important. But somewhere between the busy decades of careers, kids and keeping everything together, many of us gradually accepted that a full, restorative night was something that happened to other people. The truth is, sleep doesn’t have to be elusive. It just requires a little more attention than it used to. For women especially, the picture gets more complicated after 50. Shifting hormones during perimenopause and menopause directly interfere with sleep architecture, reducing deep sleep, triggering night sweats, and making it harder to stay asleep even when exhaustion is real. Understanding that this

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Adelaide blood donors urgently needed as winter stocks run low

Staff Writer — Thu, 21 May 2026 04:21:25 +0000

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is calling on South Australians to donate blood this week, with supplies running dangerously low ahead of the winter season. Lifeblood needs 13,000 A and O blood donations nationally in the next seven days, including 450 from South Australia, to prevent stocks falling to critical levels by June. The blood supply is relied upon by hospitals across the country for cancer treatment, surgery, trauma care and childbirth. With the cold and flu season already underway, Lifeblood is anticipating sustained pressure on supply in the months ahead. Winter typically brings the highest appointment cancellation rates of the

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How Design Eyewear is redefining independent eye care in Adelaide

Staff Writer — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tucked into the heart of Adelaide’s city centre, Design Eyewear has been quietly redefining what it means to visit an optometrist for over 30 years. Not with loud gimmicks or one-size-fits-all solutions, but with something far more powerful: personality, precision, and genuinely exceptional care. Walking into an independent practice like Design Eyewear feels different, and that’s because it is. There’s no conveyor belt of appointments, no rushed decisions under fluorescent lighting. Instead, you’re met with a team who take the time to understand not just your eyes, but your lifestyle, your preferences, and even your quirks (because yes, how you

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A emergency services unite for the 2026 Lifeblood Blood Drive

Staff Writer — Thu, 14 May 2026 06:48:18 +0000

South Australian emergency services have united for the 2026 Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive, with SA Police, SA Ambulance Service, South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service, SES and many more organisations rolling up their sleeves to take part. The drive runs for three months from 1 May until 31 July 2026, with a national challenge set to top last year’s total of 14,190 life-giving blood, plasma and platelet donations. More than 1,700 of those were made in South Australia. Lifeblood spokesperson Cindy Tilley said the participation of emergency services is both inspiring and critical. “It is inspiring to

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Hit the pavement: Adelaide’s running clubs for every pace

Staff Writer — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 03:16:37 +0000

Hit the pavement: Adelaide’s running clubs for every pace Running isn’t just for the young or elite athletes, it’s a fantastic way to stay fit, social, and motivated at any age. Adelaide’s active running community offers options for everyone, from casual joggers to competitive racers, and joining a club can turn a solitary run into a shared adventure. Adelaide Harriers is one of the city’s oldest and most welcoming clubs, offering everything from relaxed social runs to structured training programs for both beginners and more seasoned athletes. South Australian Road Runners Club (SARRC) caters to runners and walkers of all

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Free flu vaccinations announced for National Pharmacies members

Staff Writer — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 03:13:54 +0000

National Pharmacies has announced that, for the first time, it will offer free flu vaccinations to all eligible members, removing cost as a barrier to preventative healthcare ahead of the winter season. The initiative will make flu protection available to more than 160,000 members, with bookings open across the organisation’s 46 pharmacy locations. Seasonal influenza can pose serious health risks, particularly for older Australians and those with underlying health conditions. Increasing vaccination uptake is one of the most effective ways to reduce complications, hospitalisations and pressure on the health system during peak flu season. Chief Executive Officer Mark Smith said

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Strength for healthy ageing at Kieser Glenelg

Staff Writer — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 03:27:05 +0000

As we age, our bodies naturally lose muscle mass, strength, and function, a condition known as sarcopenia. Muscle loss starts around age 30 and accelerates after 60, increasing the risk of falls, fractures and other health issues. Regular strength training can help slow this decline. Despite its benefits, only one in four Australian adults complete the recommended two strength training sessions per week. While many people believe that being active is enough, strength training plays an important role that everyday movement can’t replace. The reasons people skip it vary; injury, health conditions, time constraints or misconceptions about strength training, but

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Protein After 50: Why It Matters for Strength and Wellness

Staff Writer — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 04:33:19 +0000

As we age, maintaining strength, energy, and muscle mass becomes more than just a wellness goal, it’s essential for quality of life. Yet according to CSIRO, most Australians over 50 aren’t getting enough protein to meet these needs, falling short of the recommended 25–30 grams per meal. This “post-50 protein gap” can quietly lead to fatigue, weight gain, and muscle loss, especially when combined with menopause, reduced appetite, or slower nutrient absorption. After more than 36 years in health, retail, and wellness innovation, Marg James knows just how vital protein becomes as we get older, and how often it’s overlooked.

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