Men’s Health Week
Your health is your independence
Peter Richards admits he is a poster child for leaving it late to prioritise his health.
Before the age of 67, Peter had one ill-fated gym membership which lasted three weeks before he got bored and let it lapse.
As a child, he was diagnosed with polio and in his early 20s he was a passenger in a serious single vehicle accident that did long-term damage to his back.
“I went to see my doctor who said unless I started prioritising my health I was headed towards life in a wheelchair,” he said.
“That was seven years ago.
“I’m now 74 and I feel better than I did a decade ago.
Developing fitness at ACH Group Health Studio
“By joining the ACH Group Health Studio and working out a couple of times a week I’ve been able to develop my fitness and I feel great.”
For Men’s Health Week 2026, Peter’s message to other older men is quite simple.
“Your health is your independence,” he said.
“It has allowed me to stay living in my own home, I still drive, do my own shopping, take a yearly holiday – do all the things that make life full.”
Peter said one of the biggest surprises for him was how easy the change was to make.
“I was scrolling on my phone and saw an ad for the health studio and made an enquiry,” he said.
“I started at one day a week and loved it.
“Now I am doing up to three workouts a week and sometimes after a session I’ll walk the 4.5kms back home.”
Why men’s health matters
One of the key goals of Men’s Health Week is to break down barriers that prevent men from accessing healthcare. Encouraging regular check-ups, open conversations, and lifestyle changes can lead to earlier detection of health issues and improved overall wellbeing.
Men’s Health Week is a good reminder that you don’t need a big change to make a difference to your health and independence.
If you’re not sure where to start, keeping it simple is the best place to begin.
- Find an exercise group that feels right for you, like a light strength, balance or stretching class
- Get back into something you enjoy, like a social group or hobby
- Add a bit more movement into your day, like a short walk or time in the garden
Your health journey starts here
Our goal is to help you live safely and confidently in your own home for longer. We understand that managing your health and wellbeing can involve many different services.
That’s why ACH Group Health Studios offer a truly integrated approach, bringing everything you need under one roof for your health and fitness journey.
ACH Group Health Studios
ACH Group has three community-based Health Studios across Adelaide at Glenelg, Rostrevor and Christie Downs offering a suite of health and wellbeing classes as well as access to allied health experts.
Learn more about Health Studio services.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you improve your health and wellbeing.
