Any seniors out there with a new year’s resolution to have more fun, fitness – or both – in your life?
Related story here: Trail adopts age-friendly plan
Then the news is good, because coming up in Trail next month are two new wellness programs for men and women living from Rossland to the Beaver Valley, aged 65 and older.
Better yet, they’re free.
Recreation Coordinator Lisa Manaigre is getting the word out now that starting in January, courtesy the BC Recreation and Parks Association,(BCRPA) are two no-cost fitness opportunities for seniors. One is called “Choose to Move,” a program that involves workshops and one-on-one with a certified coach, and the other is “Active Age,” a weekly fitness class for beginners.
To answer questions about what the new programs have to offer, Manaigre referred the Trail Times (TT) to Kaitlin Atkinson, the BCRPA’s Older Adult Provincial Program Coordinator.
TT: Who should come?
Atkinson: Anyone over the age of 65 who wants to become more active. There is an information session that is open to everyone to attend, learn more about the program, ask questions, and meet the activity coach. The information session is on January 9 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Trail Aquatic Centre multipurpose room.
TT: What can participants expect?
Atkinson: “ActivAge” is specifically designed for inactive older adults. This fun, free, and social program introduces participants to physical activity in a relaxed and inviting class environment with likeminded people. There are two options to choose from. Each weekly session includes a warm-up, exercise routine, and cool down.
“Choose to Move” is free and flexible, and provides you with the support and motivation to become active. In Choose to Move, you receive both individual and group support. You will work with a trained activity coach to develop and stick to a physical activity plan made just for you. You choose activities that you know you will enjoy and are able to do. You will also join a group of other Choose to Movers to share successes and challenges.
Choose to Move is comprised of one-on-one consultations with their activity coach, group meetings with the entire group, which covers various healthy living topics (such as nutrition, brain health) and telephone check-ins.
TT: How are these programs beneficial?
Atkinson: Both ActivAge and Choose to Move have an evaluation component. Below are some of the results from the program, as well as quotes from past participants.
· The majority of participants reported that ActivAge™ helped them to maintain or improve their level of overall health, enjoy life more, feel more independent, make their life easier overall, and manage general activities of daily living.
· Choose to Move program evaluations prove that older adults improved their physical activity, mobility and social connectedness.
· Ninety-five percent (95%) of ActivAge™ participants who completed an evaluation of the program said it is likely or very likely that they will continue to engage in regular physical activity as a result of the program.
· “I think the isolation of seniors is a real occurrence. This program helps us get out, get active, get to know others. I really liked it.” — ActivAge™ program participant
· “Choose to Move has meant a connection to others 65+ and with the city recreation staff and programs. It has been a unique program set for my age and abilities … I now know who to contact to get information for my exercise needs that will be answered with understanding and respect. … It has made a most positive difference in my life.” – Past Choose to Move Participant
· “ActivAge is a program that all seniors should participate in at least once as the benefits of attending the sessions are immense. Thank you for providing this wonderful program for free, the only way I was able to attend.” – ActivAge program participant
For more details and to register, call Trail Parks and Recreation at 250.364.0888.
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