Maintaining Independence as You Age
Maintaining independence as you age often comes down to everyday things: climbing stairs, getting up from a low chair, carrying the shopping and getting down on the floor with your grandchildren. At MTP Health, our accredited exercise physiologists help older adults across Sydney's North Shore and Northern Beaches train for the tasks that matter in their own lives.
Rather than a generic exercise class, we build your program around specific goals, such as staying in your own home, travelling or keeping up with the garden. We can also talk you through funding options that may help.
Everyday Tasks We Train For
Independence looks different for everyone. We start by asking what you want to keep doing, get back to or feel more confident with.
Common goals include:
- walking up and down stairs with more ease
- getting in and out of chairs, beds, cars and the bath
- getting down to the floor and back up again
- carrying shopping bags, washing baskets or luggage
- gardening, bending and kneeling
- walking further for errands, outings and travel
- lifting, playing with and caring for grandchildren
- keeping up with volunteering, hobbies and social activities
How Goal-Based Training Works
Your first visit is a 50-minute initial consultation with a functional assessment. We talk through your health, your home and your routine, then watch how you manage the tasks on your goal list.
From there, your exercise physiologist will typically:
- break each task into the strength, movement, balance and endurance it needs
- practise the task itself, or a safe version of it, during sessions
- add supporting exercises that help the task feel easier over time
- set a simple home routine that fits into your day
- review your goals regularly and update the plan as your needs change
Train for the task itself
For example, if getting up from the floor is your goal, we might work on leg strength, hip and knee movement, and a step-by-step method you can rely on at home.
Maintaining Independence at Home
Many people want to keep living in their own home for as long as possible. Staying capable with daily tasks is often a big part of making that work.
We can help if you:
- are finding jobs around the house more tiring than before
- are home after a hospital stay and want to rebuild your capacity for daily life
- care for a partner and want to stay physically able to do so
- would prefer to train at home through online sessions
Family members and carers are welcome to join appointments. If equipment or changes to your home could help, we may suggest speaking with your GP or an occupational therapist, and if unsteadiness is your main worry, our Falls Prevention service may be a better starting point.
Funding and Support Options
Several programs may help older Australians access exercise physiology. Eligibility depends on your age, health and circumstances:
- Support at Home, which was introduced in November 2025 to replace Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care. Access starts with an aged care assessment arranged through My Aged Care, and approved services can include allied health.
- The Commonwealth Home Support Programme, which continues to offer entry-level help at home for eligible older people.
- The Department of Veterans' Affairs, for eligible veterans with a referral.
- The NDIS, for participants who joined the scheme before turning 65, where exercise physiology fits their plan goals.
- Medicare, if you have a chronic health condition and your GP arranges a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, which can include a limited number of allied health sessions.
- Private health insurance, depending on your level of extras cover.
Funding rules can change, and not every service is available through every pathway. Our team can talk you through options, and your GP, My Aged Care or your care provider can confirm what applies to you.
Related Services
These related services sit alongside maintaining independence:
Living Independently for Longer
If everyday tasks are starting to feel harder, a goal-based program may help you keep doing them for longer. Our exercise physiologists can assess what you need and plan the next steps with you.
Visit us at St Leonards or Beacon Hill, or start with an online session. No referral is required to book.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use Support at Home funding for exercise physiology?
You may be able to if your aged care assessment and support plan include allied health services. Speak with My Aged Care or your Support at Home provider about what is approved for you, and our team can talk you through options.
Can a family member come to my appointments?
Yes, family members and carers are welcome. They often help with setting goals and practising at home, and we can show them how to support you safely between sessions.
Do I need to be fit to start?
No, programs start from where you are today, including if you use a walking aid or haven't exercised for years. We adjust each session to your health and energy levels.
Can sessions be done online?
Online sessions can work well for home-based goals, because we can see your space and plan exercises around your furniture and routine. Some people combine online sessions with visits to one of our clinics.
How long does it take to see a difference in daily tasks?
It varies with your starting point, your health and how regularly you practise. Some people notice tasks feel a little easier within several weeks, and we track progress against your goals so you can see what is changing.