Seniors' fitness in Sharbot Lake

Dec 10, 2014

A senior's exercise program is offered free of charge through the Sharbot Lake Family Health Team, and on December 8 participants attended the final week of classes for the fall session. Judging by the 65 seniors who just wrapped up the program, local seniors know well that one of the best ways to stave off the negative effects of aging and to stay healthy is to be active.

“Exercise at any age is beneficial,” said Ashley Williams, the new occupational therapist at the SLFHT, who sparked off the eight-session program, which began in October 2014. The one-hour classes were held at the community room at the Sharbot Lake Medical Centre and included a cardio component with walking and other aerobic exercises; upper and lower body strength training; exercises for the core and also balance and coordination exercises. The program includes an educational component and every few weeks a health care professional spoke to participants about a specific health-related topic. The fall session included a visit by the SLFHT's registered dietician, who spoke about appropriate sizes of meal portions, protein shakes and more.

Williams outlined the benefits to seniors of regular exercise and how the fitness classes help improve cardio-vascular performance, over-all strength, balance and coordination, which together can help minimize falls. The social benefits are also worth mentioning and the classes offer seniors the chance to meet regularly with friends, form new relationships and have fun while exercising.

Williams said that participants have spoken about having increased strength and overall health as a result of the classes, with some being able to perform tasks around their homes that they had been unable to perform prior to the classes.

The 2015 winter session will begin on January 19. Classes take place on Mondays and Thursdays. Participants should wear rubber-soled shoes and loose clothing. For more information, contact Ashley Williams at 6132-279-2100 ext 128.