A new world record was set on 20 June 2014 for the largest outdoor exercise class for people aged over 70 years. A total of 52 people turned up for the exercise class in Sydney’s northern beaches, creating a new entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The only existing, similar world record for people aged over 70 years is the oldest dance troupe, The Hip Op-eration Crew from New Zealand, consisting of 23 active members aged 67 to 95 years old, with an average age of 79 years.
The world record event was organised by community care provider, Community Care (Northern Beaches) (CCNB) for International Open Day for Aged Care.
Interim chief executive officer of CCNB, Sarah Brisbane said the CCNB would look at making the world record attempt an annual event because “exercise for older people is really important and a great preventative measure for chronic diseases.”
International Open Day for Aged Care began last year in the UK and South Africa, and started in Australia this year. The day, organised by industry body, Aged and Community Services (ACSA), is intended as a celebration of ageing, and service providers throughout Australia were encouraged to open their doors to highlight the many options available for older people.
The outdoor exercise class was run by professional trainers from Vision Personal Training in Mona Vale and was supported by Pittwater Council’s Enliven Pittwater program.