In the rural town of Ararat in western Victoria, a unique community project is helping older adults stay active, connected, and thriving. Through a partnership between East Grampians Health Service and the Ararat Fitness Centre, a modified sport program has been developed specifically for older adults—and the results have been promising.
Like many rural communities across Australia, Ararat faces the challenge of supporting an ageing population. Almost a quarter of residents are aged over 65 years, and access to a variety of safe, social, physical activity options can be limited compared regional and metropolitan areas. Recognising this, we worked directly with older community members to design and run a program that was fun, inclusive, and tailored to their needs.
The journey began with two focus groups where locals shared their ideas, motivations, and concerns about engaging in sport. Many had fond memories of playing in their younger years but had stopped due to family commitments, health concerns, or cost. They expressed a strong desire to reconnect, not just with physical activity, but with the social benefits of being part of a team again, too.
Together, we shaped a six-week pilot program offering modified versions of basketball, netball, soccer, Australian football, and cricket. Games were adapted for safety— indoors, walking-only rules, softer balls, lower hoops, and regular rest breaks—while maintaining the spirit of the sport. A key ingredient in the program’s success was having facilitator who could create a fun, welcoming environment and inclusive environment for all ages and physical capabilities.
The program quickly became a highlight of the week. Thirteen participants, aged 60 to 88 years, had an impressive 86% participation rate. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive; every participant reported being “very satisfied” with the program, and many said they felt more physically capable than before. But for most the greatest benefit was social. Participants talked about meeting new people, learning new skills, and simply having fun in a supportive environment.
Most participants said they would happily continue with the program, even with a small fee. Since finishing the pilot, the Ararat Fitness Centre has continued running the program to this day. It is now a regular, weekly session, blending netball and basketball, providing lasting benefits for older adults in Ararat.
This project highlights how a place-based, community-led approach can make a meaningful difference to healthy ageing in rural areas. By listening to older adults and partnering with a local organisation, we created something that was more than just exercise—it was also about building confidence, connection, and wellness.
But the story does not end there. Building on the success of the pilot, we have now begun work on a Rural Modified Sport Program Toolkit—a practical guide to help other communities set up similar programs. This phase is all about sharing what we have learned, supporting local communities, and helping more older Australians stay active, social, and well.
As our rural communities continue to age, programs like this offer a simple but powerful way to support healthy, connected lives. Modified sport is not just a game—it is a gateway to better health, stronger communities, and ageing well in the places that we call home.
You can read more about the research and outcomes in the Australian Journal of Rural Health here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ajr.13108.