Ways Grandparents Can Join the Y

A thank you to the people who hold so many families together, and an invitation to enjoy something just for them. 

Ask any parent what keeps the week running and grandparents come up quickly. They collect children from school, cook the Sunday lunches, step in when plans change and quietly provide the kind of care that no timetable can replace. This Grandparents’ Day, we want to say thank you. 

We also want to share an idea: the people who give so much to their families deserve time and space for themselves. The Y has classes and a welcoming community that can help grandparents stay healthy, stay strong and stay connected. 

The role grandparents play 

For many Australian families, grandparents are a cornerstone of everyday life. ABS data from 2017 shows that grandparents were the most common type of care for school-aged children, and about a quarter of children not yet at school were in their care.[1] Behind those numbers are early mornings, long afternoons and a lot of love. 

That role is rewarding, and it can also be demanding. Keeping up with the energy of children, whether it’s a toddler at the park or a primary schooler on school holidays, goes more smoothly with good strength, balance and stamina. 

Looking after the person behind the role 

Australia’s guidelines for adults over 65 suggest at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days, plus activities that build strength, balance and flexibility.[2] A regular class makes that easier to fit into a busy week. 

Strength and balance matter in particular. One in three Australians over 65 experience a fall each year, and a review of 88 trials led by The George Institute for Global Health found that regular exercise reduced the rate of falls by 21%, with the biggest benefits from programs that challenge balance.[3] In practical terms, that means more confidence on the stairs, on uneven ground and when lifting a grandchild. 

The benefits go beyond the physical. Regular movement is linked to better mood, better sleep and more energy for the things grandparents love doing. 

More than a workout: a community of their own 

Exercise is only half the story. University of Sydney researchers have found that group-based approaches can improve exercise habits for older adults, with people in a socially connected program increasing their daily activity by 20 to 30 minutes and keeping it up for a year.[4] There is also evidence that group exercise can improve social connectedness and help prevent loneliness.[4] 

That makes sense to anyone who has found a class they love. When you know people are expecting you, and there’s a coffee and a chat afterwards, showing up becomes the best part of the week. For grandparents, it’s also a community that exists outside the family circle: new friends, new conversations and something that’s entirely theirs. 

1. PrYme Movers 

Our program for people over 55, with classes that help build heart health, bone density, flexibility and strength. Classes are designed to be social as well as active, so the motto at many centres is turn up for a workout and stay for a coffee and a chat.[5] Class names and timetables vary by centre. 

Explore Our PrYme Movers Classes

2. Group classes 

For those who like variety, group classes such as Yoga and Pilates build strength, posture and flexibility. They’re a great way to work out alongside a mix of people and find a style they enjoy. 

3. A FREE 5 Day Trial Pass 

The easiest way to find out what suits is to try it. A free trial lets grandparents test PrYme Movers or group classes before deciding. 

Get Their FREE 5 Day Trial Pass

A thank you they can keep 

If there are grandparents in your family, this is a gift that costs little and gives a lot. Tell them what they mean to you, share this article and let them choose the class that feels right. They’ve spent years making time for everyone else. Now it’s their turn. 

Get Their FREE 5 Day Trial Pass