The 66-year-old, from Beaconsfield, admits he spent far too much time on the couch until his doctor put him on a health plan, including a requirement that he attend the new integratedliving wellness centre in Mowbray.

Within months of regular exercise, he could feel the difference. And then the weight started to disappear after a few weeks at the centre in Mowbray.

"Since I've been here, I've lost weight, I'm sleeping better, I'm breathing better, my temper is better," Mr Evans said.

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"I'm eager to get back into the backyard to turn a bit over. I can only do a little big which is better than nothing, but 12 months ago I couldn't do it, I couldn't even look after strawberry plants."

The centre in Mowbray receives funding from the federal government as part of its home support program, allowing elderly people to access health and wellbeing services such as exercise, stretch and flow classes, as well as state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck officially opened the centre on Wednesday, which is already supporting 66 residents.

Maree Evans, 62, said she could not ride an exercise bike four months ago, but the other day she completed a 15-minute workout.

She said it was helping her health to recover following knee surgery.

"We come three days a week now. I feel way better, I love it," Mrs Evans said.

"I've had a knee operation, Don's got Parkinson's, and we needed a way of getting a little bit active. We've only been sitting on the couch at home for years.

"Things can only get better from here."