News Walking Together- Staying Active and Connected After Retirement Healthy ageing is about more than just physical health, it’s about staying connected, feeling part of your community, and finding joy in everyday movement. That’s why Healthy Cities is proud to deliver the 3×3 Walking Program as part of the Wollongong Seniors Festival. As people transition into retirement, everyday movement and incidental social contact can decrease, increasing the risk of social isolation, reduced mobility, and chronic health conditions. Programs like 3×3 are designed to gently bridge that gap, offering a welcoming space for older adults to move together, connect with others, and build confidence in staying active. The 3×3 program brings people together for a relaxed weekly walk, paired with simple, age-friendly activities such as outdoor gym demonstrations, Tai Chi, and nutrition discussions. These sessions not only support strength, balance, and wellbeing, but also create opportunities to connect. Research consistently demonstrates that walking is one of the most accessible and effective forms of physical activity for older adults, supporting cardiovascular health, mobility, balance, and mental wellbeing. When delivered in a group setting, walking programs also play a key role in reducing loneliness, improving mood, and strengthening community connection. By contributing to the Wollongong Council Seniors Festival, we celebrate the power of community-led movement, showing that staying active doesn’t have to be intimidating, competitive, or done alone. Location: Wollongong Lang Park Outdoor Gym (meeting point) When: Tuesdays, 3–17 March Time: 10:00am–11:30am Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/3×3-wollongong-age-friendly Activities include an outdoor gym introduction, Tai Chi for balance and flexibility, and a nutrition and healthy ageing discussion with our Cooking Programs facilitator. We look forward to welcoming participants to 3×3 and continuing to support healthy ageing, social connection, and vibrant communities across Illawarra.