#2328_WSLHD_CPH_YIR 2023_4A_WEB

Adults

Older Adults

HEALTH PROMOTION

HEALTH PROMOTION

Addressing smoking and vaping rates with Mental Health Services Although smoking rates in the general population are decreasing, certain vulnerable subgroups, such as people living with serious mental illness, are twice as likely to be a current smoker (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020) and experience the associated burden of smoking-related illness and death. In partnership with WSLHD Mental Health Services, our Smoking and Vaping Prevention team explored the attitudes and beliefs on smoking and vaping held by mental health services consumers and staff.

Healthy lifestyle program for over 60s Healthy and Active for Life Online (HAL Online) is a free 10-week online course to engage people 60+ years and Aboriginal people aged 45+ in healthy lifestyle changes. We collaborated with Councils, older adults’ services, Workers and RSL clubs to recruit participants to HAL Online.

2023 outcomes: • 195 people registered (72% females).

• 4 supported programs with Blacktown and Cumberland Local Government Areas libraries for participants not confident accessing the online program on their own at home. • 49% of participants found HAL Online via social media. • 22% of participants speak a language other than English at home.

Participants who completed pre- and post-surveys reported great improvements following their HAL Online experience:

2023 outcomes: A baseline survey (May – October) attracted 334 responses. Intervention planning and design are underway to address misconceptions, gaps in knowledge and cultural attitudes and beliefs held by staff and consumers to improve cessation support. The next phase of this research project includes: • Mental Health services staff education and training • Consultation and co-design of education resources with mental health consumer representatives, key staff and stakeholders within Mental Health services.

Increase from 40% to 72% knowledge of recommended serves of vegetables Increase from 53% to 73% knowledge of recommended serves of fruits From 2 to 4 days moderate physical activity doubled

91% became more confident about regular activities without becoming unsteady or falling. 78% intend to engage in other exercises or programs following HAL Online.

100%

intend to continue with some form of exercise following HAL online.

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WSLHD Centre for Population Health Year in Review 2023