AONT is a not-for-profit organisation partly funded by the NT Dept of Heath.
We provide support services, information and education to improve the understanding of arthritis and osteoporosis, promoting healthy lifestyles and self-management to reduce the burden of these diseases.
No referrals are needed and walk-ins are welcome.
We are affiliated with Arthritis Australia and work with them and Arthritis organisations in other states.
We also have educational resources from Healthy Bones Australia.
Latest News
Millennials Face A Painful & Stiff Future: New Report Reveals Generations Hit Hardest with Arthritis
Projections released earlier this year by Arthritis Australia reveal Millennials are facing a painful and debilitating health crisis by 2040, set to become a demographic significantly impacted by arthritis within Australia’s workforce, with 1 in 6 expected to be suffering from arthritis.
Over 5.3 million Australians are predicted to be living with the pain and disability of arthritis by 2040, according to new projections by researchers at Monash University’s School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, marking a sharp 31% increase from today’s figures as the population grows and ages. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are predicted to be particularly hard hit.
Currently, Australia’s annual direct healthcare expenditure on OA and RA care exceeds $5.26 billion, compared with $3.4 billion spent on diabetes and $2.5 billion on coronary heart disease. Without intervention, the figure for arthritis is projected to escalate, potentially surpassing $7.7 billion by 2040 based on the new projections
Among the Millennials who face this painful future, women in particular will bear the brunt – OA is projected to be nearly 80% higher among woman than men, with females also far more likely to experience RA and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
To read more about this on the Arthritis Australia website click here https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/arthritis-projections-2040/
Upcoming Events
Pain self-management program –
to help you learn how to manage and live better with chronic pain
Next session:
When: Friday 16 August 2024, 9.30 am to 1 pm
Where: AONT office, Shop 18, Rapid Creek Business Village, 48 Trower Rd Millner
Cost: Gold coin donation for materials and refreshments
Bookings essential: Ring the office on Freecall: 1800 011 041 or (08) 8948 5232 or email on admin@aont.org.au
Senior’s Month Open Day – Friday 30 August
Our office will be open from 9.00 am to 4 pm and we will be running a range of activities with allied health professionals on balance, falls prevention and functional strength.
Come and see our resources and participate in the activities. More details soon.
Exercise
Exercise is extremely important for both arthritis and osteoporosis sufferers.
“Oh yes, this program keeps my knees moving. The surgeon said the reason I am doing so well after my knee replacement is because I was doing these exercises and keeping fit and strong” Annie
“I had my first day at work with no pain. It has been amazing how much the exercises have helped with my ankle injury and overall strength” Julie
Exercise programs are available through organisations such as COTA (https://www.cotant.org.au/programs/fit-for-life/) and Darwin City Council Healthy Darwin (https://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/community/programs/healthy-darwin).
Check out the options below.
Taking the First Step
An education session to learn how to make physical activity a part of your everyday life – ring Freecall: 1800 011 041 or (08) 8948 5232 for more information about the course and dates and times of sessions.
Moving with Arthritis
Arthritis Australia website to help you get moving (https://movingwitharthritis.org.au/)
Stronger Today
Exercise classes for 50+ run by Southern Cross Care.
Click here for more information Stronger Today
GLA:D Program –
exercises for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA)
Click here to look at the GLA:D Australia website
and click here to find a clinic where you can do GLA:D in Darwin https://gladaustralia.com.au/locations/.