COCHRANE— Seniors in the community are discovering new and fun ways to exercise while showing the important ways staying active serves as a great way to be happy and healthy.
Points West Living recreation therapist Dawn Robertson said there are many benefits to staying active for seniors regardless of it they are seniors living in their own homes or at an assisted living facility.
Participating in physical activity directly benefits and helps maintain cognitive functions while aiding in fall prevention by enhancing one's balance and core strength, Roberts said. Seniors can do simple exercises like stretching, reaching and lifting to aid in their range of motion while also help with balance.
She added that exercise is great for mental health and can help in reducing stress as well.
“It releases endorphins which makes them feel good,” Robertson said.
When COVID-19 public health measures are not in place a side benefit of being active is it can provide an opportunity to socialize, Robertson said. Seniors can join a walking club, gardening club or dance class and get a chance to make friends and meet new people. Exercise classes are great she added, because there is a leader who can help guide the workout.
Some activities like gardening are still possible during COVID-19 because they can be done during the pandemic in isolation.
“Digging and raking and all those sorts of things are great physical exercise and you’re creating something beautiful to be proud of,” Robertson said.
It is never too late to find a way to be physically active, Robertson said, explaining that activities can be modified to meet the abilities of those looking to participate.
Sometimes there are barriers like physical ability or cognitive ability but steps can be taken to modify a work out so everyone can participate.
“There’s always way peoples can still be active,” Robertson said. “There are places to go and to meet people within our community.”
She noted the Seniors on the Bow Centre at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre as a great way to stay active or going for walks with neighbours.
Facebook also serves as a way for seniors to plan fishing trips, walking, golfing and other activities they can do together, Robertson said.
“It’s being kind of creative and looking for ways you can connect with other people,” Robertson said.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated health measures have created new challenges when it comes to finding physical ways to help keep residents active, said Big Hill Lodge social and leisure coordinator Kim Maclure.
The lodge has been encouraging people to stay active in any way they can and the facility features an area outside that is the perfect space for being active while social distancing.
Maclure added that they have recently begun to host limited exercise classes that maintain social distancing in the rec room at the lodge as well.
“We’re keeping our numbers low so we can make sure that everybody is at that minimum six-feet distance apart,” Maclure said.
She added that ensuring seniors are maintaining social and mental activity is just as important.
“We’re keeping an upbeat attitude."
It is important to stay active she said to maintain emotional, mental and physical health.
“For anybody at any age it’s important to be active,” Maclure said.
