Mr Burns felt this made it increasingly vital to keep up his work in the leadership team for Wendouree West Exodus Community, serving lunches each Saturday. He needed the extra connection.

Loneliness, social isolation and a lack of social support can increase risks for heart attack or stroke in older Australians, a new study co-funded by the Heart Foundation has found.

Researchers from Monash and Curtin universities found good social health tended to be more physically active and less likely to have depression - both key factors in preventing heart disease.

The study also found men were more likely to be socially isolated and less socially supported than women, but women tended to be present more as lonely.

Mr Roberts said three years in Western Bulldogs' Sons of the West program had given him all the skills and plenty of motivation to "re-pick up" his life, particularly physically, once he could start rehabilitation for his hip.

"My only outlet at the moment is seeing people (at Exodus) on Saturday," Mr Burns said. "The stuff I've learnt and experience in three years with Sons of the West will really help because that's the goal, to have some sort of fitness I can continue to build up."

Sons of the West, and sister program Daughters of the West, are holistic health programs with sessions featuring physical and theoretical or discussion-based health components.

Graduates from Ballarat's Sons programs have been proactive in continuing to meet up and socialise beyond the program.

IN OTHER NEWS

Ballarat Parkrun event director Kylie Mayne told The Courier earlier this week the free five-kilometre run-walk event was about more than fitness, but social connections. The inclusive event for all ages and abilities allows people to move with others.

"Of course, people don't have that when Parkrun isn't able to operate. We're very keen to be able to start back again when we can and see people being active and connecting with the community, it's great," Ms Mayne said.

Heart Foundation interim chief Garry Jennings, a former Ballarat Health Services board member, said walking was great exercise, but it was even better when joining with other people.

Professor Jennings said the study was a timely reminder when Australians were feeling isolated under COVID-19 restrictions.

"There's no doubt COVID fatigue is out there, more and more. All we want is for things to go back to normal and when they're not, it doesn't help if you're down and out," Professor Jennings said. "It has been amazing out walking in restrictions, certainly in my experience, in finding people do talk to you in the park, even just to say hello."

Professor Jennings said exercise could play a key a role in treating depression, improving mood and decreasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. He said if feeling lonely or depressed, it was vital to talk to your doctor or family and friends.

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