Move More for a Stronger Heart this World Heart Day
29 September is World Heart Day – a moment to pause and reflect on how we’re caring for our hearts.
Scroll to Explore
26 September 2025
Stories
| Home Care
The theme of this year’s World Heart Day is “Don’t Miss a Beat”. It is a call to look after your heart health today, so that you can enjoy more tomorrows.
Much of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is preventable, according to the World Heart Federation, and daily movement is a big part of that.
At BaptistCare at home, we believe that with support, older Australians can keep moving, stay independent, and live well at home.
Why heart health matters as we age
More than a quarter (27.7%) of Australians aged 75 and over lived with some form of cardiovascular disease in 2022. Yet only one in three (33.4%) aged 65 and over was meeting the recommended levels of physical activity – around 30 minutes on most, and ideally all, days.
This gap matters because it has been widely recognised that regular exercise is one of the most powerful tools for preventing and managing heart disease. Even small steps – literally – can add up to a big difference.
How exercise helps your heart
The Heart Foundation reminds us that moving more each day helps your heart by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, keeping a healthy weight, improving circulation, building strength, and boosting both mood and confidence.
For older people, this might look like daily walks, light gardening, chair-based exercises, or gentle balance routines. The key is to move more, in safe and sustainable ways.
Overcoming barriers to movement
We know staying active isn’t always easy. Pain, reduced mobility, or fear of falling can make exercise feel daunting. The good news is that even small, achievable changes make a difference. For example, an American study found that adding an extra 500 steps a day (only 400 metres) has been linked with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke in older adults.
The important thing is to start where you are – and find the right support.
What you can do today
Looking after your heart doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some simple ways to begin:
- Speak with your GP or allied health professional before starting new activities
- Choose movements you enjoy, so you’re more likely to keep them up
- Build in regular breaks and listen to your body
- Invite a friend, neighbour or family member to join you – exercise is more fun together
- Talk with BaptistCare at home about how we can support you, and help you stay motivated
How BaptistCare at home can support you
At BaptistCare at home, we take a wellness and reablement approach, supporting you to live as independently and actively as possible in the comfort of your own home.
Our Allied Health team offers personalised care tailored to your goals and health needs, including:
- Physiotherapy – helping you rebuild strength, improve mobility and balance, and manage conditions that affect your cardiovascular health.
- Occupational Therapy – assessing your home environment, recommending modifications or equipment, and supporting you to safely complete daily activities with confidence.
Whether you want to get back to walking in your neighbourhood, keep up with the grandkids, or simply feel stronger at home, our team can design an approach that works for you.
Every heartbeat matters
Don’t Miss a Beat this World Heart Day. With the right balance of movement, support, and encouragement, you can look after your heart health and keep living well at home.
Find out more about BaptistCare at home allied health services or call us today to see how we can support you with your heart health.