Seniors keeping fit

It’s April and many of this year’s New Year’s resolutions have already fallen by the wayside. Reported to be one of the most popular resolutions, improving physical fitness is usually forgotten by the end of January. The year may be a quarter over but it’s not too late to start getting in shape. Improving your fitness level is important at any age but it is especially important for seniors. 

For seniors, the need to be physically fit does not change but the path to fitness does. The type of exercise needed to become fit, or maintain physical fitness, is different depending on lifestyles. For example, seniors who have remained active all their lives will have different needs than a person who has led a sedentary life.

Choose to Move is an initiative of the Active Aging Society that was developed at the University of British Columbia. It offers programs designed to help seniors of every age and fitness level determine the type of exercise that will help them maintain good physical fitness long into the future. The Choose to Move website proclaims that being active is one of the most important things a person can do to maintain their overall health and that being active can help you feel better, be stronger, and maintain your independence.

In addition to the information sessions offered by Choose to Move, there is a component called Active Aging. This component offers a three-month weekly fitness class that delves into various types of exercise regimes. 

Robin Masters is a Choose to Move Registered Personal trainer who teaches throughout the Lower Mainland. She has seen first-hand the benefits of how fitness improves a persons quality of life. “Three benefits I see as an Activity Coach with Choose to Move is that fitness builds confidence,” she says. “Being fit will not only improve a person’s quality of life it will foster a feeling of self-efficacy (self-worth). It’s so encouraging to believe that you can achieve good physical health,” she adds. 

Throughout the lower mainland, there are fitness classes for seniors at almost every community centre. For example, Get Up & Go is a program created in collaboration with Fraser Health Falls Prevention Initiative. This program is an entry level exercise program for older adults with balance and mobility issues. Get Up & Go is designed to improve strength, balance, and coordination and is offered at most senior centres. 

Maria Hillmer has been teaching fitness classes for seniors at the Brookswood Seniors Centre since 2013. Each class has participants who range in age from 60 – 80 years old. She teaches four times a week and has designed the workouts to address the participants various levels of fitness and ability. All of her classes feature energetic music. Hillmer feels that incorporating music into any type of work out is very beneficial.

“Proper music improves exercise performance by either delaying fatigue or increasing work capacity. Also, music stimulates the brain area that controls movement, so it helps your body complete repetitive movements, more efficiently,” she says enthusiastically.

Exercise is also a means for social connection. Exercising with one’s peers is a way of building community. “Exercise creates an emotional or social connection. Whether it be to one’s self or one’s community, on an emotional or social level, or both, it’s important to feel connected,” explains Masters.

Julie Harris, a local senior agrees. She leads a group of seniors who have pooled their resources and invested in a television and self-guided chair yoga DVDs. They get together at their clubhouse three times a week for a 45-minute class featuring 15 minutes of stretching, 15 minutes of cardio, and 15 minutes of cooling down. “It’s fun and we’ve gotten to know each other better and many of us have become friends,” she says. “And for some people who attend, it’s the only social connection they have,” she explains.

Prior to taking part in any exercise regime, Harris, Hillmer, and Masters all say that it is very important to get clearance from your family doctor or nurse practitioner. If you don’t have a family doctor, you can contact 811 HealthLink BC to determine what type of exercise is right for you. 811 HealthLink, also known as the Nurse’s Line, have qualified health professionals who can be consulted prior to taking a fitness class. In addition, Hillmer and Masters recommend proceeding with caution. “It’s important to wear the proper clothing and footwear,” says Hillmer. She also suggests meeting the instructor prior to taking a class. This will ensure that the person teaching the class will understand your unique needs and abilities. “Know your health risks with your current level of ability and health conditions. Reaching beyond a safe level of ability can result in setbacks like overuse and injury,” adds Masters.

2023 may be a quarter over, but its never too late to start improving your physical health. Good physical health is good for your body, mind, and spirit. Start today with an appointment with your doctor or health care professional. Check out programs offered by Choose to Move and then go visit your local senior centre. Being physically fit will mean the difference between aging well or not, and your body will thank you.