With Baby Boomers living longer and research showing that travel within the age group increasing 80% in the past decade, there is increasing demand for new solutions to stay fit and healthy on the road.

Seniors Fitness Expert, author and Founder of Sydney’s Active Seniors Gym chain, Taylor Harrison who has trained more than 10,000 baby boomers, is now launching the world’s first “fit for travel” service, for the over 50s.

“People are not only living longer, but they want to have quality in those years and travel is part of that. However, without a proper exercise program though, your muscles will weaken and balance will deteriorate as you age. Lugging heavy suitcases up train station steps or slipping on a pebble during a hike can be a recipe for disaster when travelling” he says.

In the lead up to Seniors Week, Feb 13-19, Seniors Health Advocate Ita Buttrose has thrown her support behind the program for older Australians.

Ita who is National Ambassador for Dementia Australia and walks every day, as well as doing Pilates and weight training has been tireless in promoting dementia risk prevention through exercise.

 “Health professionals often warn older people about the risks of falls, but not enough recommend the need to improve balance through exercise. This is an excellent positive step to keep adults active as they travel,” she says.

The effectiveness of strength and balance training on falls found a 55% fall reduction in people who participated in strength training programs according to a 5-year Sydney University trial.

Under the new program, travellers can buy the Fit For Travel book for $20, and are also eligible for a $90 online program, where weekly exercises are sent direct to their inbox every week, with a three monthly review with a team of exercise physiologists at Bondi, Dee Why and Gordon Active Seniors Gyms.