I recently had the pleasure of attending a new and innovative weekly exercise and wellness program designed specifically to meet the varied needs of older persons residing in Burton and other rural communities located throughout the Arrow Lakes.
This unique and age-friendly pilot program entitled “Just for the Health of It” (JFHI) takes place each Monday, continuing until the end of the year, at the Burton Community Learning Centre (former Burton School), beginning at 11 a.m.
A remarkable drop-in program, with registration of 20 people at present, it has added immeasurably toward setting the stage for the pleasant introduction to a gentle and well designed physical exercise program for seniors, led by certified BCRPA, Third Age Fitness and Pilates instructors, Roelie van Dam and Anne Ralston. Both have had specialized training in working with mature adults among others.
In addition to the exercises, JFHI includes an educational component and group discussion on topics of brain fitness and health literacy. This portion of the program is facilitated by Liz Gillis, Adult Literacy Coordinator, CBAL.
This week the group discussion focused on learning to read and understand food labels leading to making appropriate choices. Also one is offered the chance to practice the art of brain exercises and a variety of stimulating games, all of which are intended to heighten one’s intellectual and mental processes as we age. Achieving the goal offers the potential for enhancing alertness, uplifting one’s emotions and helps to reduce brain fog as well as potential mental or emotional depression which tends to affect vulnerable people, especially the elderly and disabled.
The program also offers one of the most important aspects of the goal aimed at maintaining one’s personal independence and healthy living practices in action within one’s own home and community. The program serves as a prime venue for making new friends, intended to broaden social interaction amongst one’s peers. By joining forces with others, we can be successful in remaining encouraged, informed and an active part of one’s community resulting in a higher quality of life.
“I can’t imagine missing a program session,” said Burton resident Diane Woodhouse, who spoke glowingly of the program.”
“I’m meeting new people as never before,” Gale Detta, vice-chair of BC Seniors’ Association, added in agreement.
The concept of a specialized exercise program for older adults was fully supported by numerous community leaders including Burton Community Learning Centre board member, Dan Freeman, RDCK’s Paul Peterson, CBAL, School District 10 plus other educational and service organizations as well as private citizens, speaks volumes.
Funding for “Just for the Health of It” was provided by Seniors’ Housing and Support Initiative, Age Friendly BC and UBCM through a funding application endorsed by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK).
JFHI is a fine example of people who succeed by working together in a positive and cooperative vein. As the program instigator, Liz Gillis brings to the forefront her considerable professional training and background experience working and melding ideas with seniors in the rapidly changing field of health and health literacy as well as community-based social work.
A distinctive feeling of solidarity often occurs when people gather together to express their collective conviction of the importance of a common interest such as is demonstrated here. Hopefully there will be further active consideration geared toward the development of similar programs and resources of special interest to older persons and their younger families, benefitting others throughout the district.
This in turn will lead to an expanded awareness amongst those who are considering relocating permanently to our magnificent part of the province, to join forces with its diversified field of opportunity and caring all-ages populace, within the near future.