by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION — Throughout the summer months, the older people are enjoying the outdoors, whether it be walking, cycling, gardening or a plethora of other sports.
But, once the cooler and shorter days arrive, the older generation are more apt to remain indoors, many times inactive.
However, there are volunteers with the Whitewater Bromley Community Health Centre who want to ensure the older people throughout the area remain fit, fun and fully alive. And that’s why the exercise program the Senior Fitness Instructors (SFI) lead is called Fit, Fun and Fully Alive.
There are similar programs offered in different parts of Renfrew County. Lara Mylly, who is the health promoter for the Whitewater Bromley Community Centre (WBCHC), provides the leadership for the SFIs in this area. In the Barry’s Bay and Killaloe areas, Kathy Blomquist provides leadership. She is the Care Coordinator for the Assisted Living Program Barry’s Bay and Area Senior Citizens Home Support Services.
Ms. Mylly stressed the program is heart-wise and is provided through the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, which is part of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Western Ontario and is affiliated with St. Joseph’s Health Care London and Lawson Health Research Institute.
There are currently seven SFIs with the WBCHC who lead the one-hour classes that are held in Cobden, Foresters Falls, Beachburg and Westmeath. However, there are other people who teach similar classes, but it’s part of their job.
“Our volunteer leaders are the heart and soul of the program,” Ms. Mylly said. “Our volunteers put in a tremendous amount of their own effort and time.”
Along with leading the one-hour classes, they must also complete annual training to keep their certification, she said.
“We do ask a lot of our volunteers, and they give of their time willingly and with enthusiasm,” Ms. Mylly said.
Lawrie Barton, who is 76 years old, has been a leader since 2008. She has led classes in Beachburg, Foresters Fals and Westmeath and filled in at Cobden.
“I believe fitness classes for seniors are essential for good health,” Ms. Barton said. “I love seeing how people improve over time and how the social interaction benefits all.”
While she does enjoy the summer, she has missed the classes, she said.
“I feel so grateful to be a part of these health-giving classes,” Ms. Barton said, adding, “I’ve missed them over the summer.”
While each participant is encouraged to do the exercises at their own ability, there are two different types of classes, Ms. Mylly said. The gentle fitness is geared towards those who find it difficult to stand for an hour — there are sitting and standing exercises – for whatever reasons.
The high mobility exercises provide a more challenging program, with emphasis of working at your own pace, she said. It’s hoped that after a few weeks, each person will have progressed to some degree.
The idea for these programs is so people can maintain their functional mobility, Ms. Mylly said. Functional mobility is what will help people remain in their own homes, maintain their independence and continue with activities of daily living, she explained.
Ms. Mylly encourages anyone interested in participating in the classes to speak to their doctor or nurse practitioner prior to starting an exercise program.
“It’s important people be active,” she said.
This year Fit, Fun and Fully Alive sessions begin on Tuesday, Sept. 5 and continue in the various communities until the winter break at Christmas.
While there are currently seven volunteer SFIs, Ms. Mylly said throughout the program’s 16-year history, there have been about 25 volunteer leaders.
Ms. Mylly and Ms. Blomquist work together to provide refresher courses for the volunteer SFIs, and other SFIs. Ms. Mylly noted there are three fresher courses offered a year. These courses provide an opportunity for the volunteers to build skills and get updates and refresh information on course material.
The two also provide the Seniors’ Fitness Instructor Course in this area. The instructors will learn the effects of aging and the benefits of physical activity for older adults; class design and exercise techniques; leadership skills; and exercise principles for individuals with a variety of special conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis.
This year’s course is scheduled to be at the Eagles Nest at the Eganville Arena every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout October and Nov. 2, as well as Saturday, Oct. 14. The cost is free for volunteers.
For more information on becoming a SFI, please contact Ms. Mylly at 613-582-3685.
Barry’s Bay Information
Imagine Feeling Great! is the high mobility class that runs in Killaloe at the Lions Hall every Monday and Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. starting Monday, Sept 11th.
The Stand Up program starts Wednesday, Sept. 7, and it’s held each Monday and Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m.
For more information on these classes, as well as the classes in Barry’s Bay, please check out the website www.bbahs.org.
If you would like more information on becoming a SFI in the Barry’s Bay / Killaloe areas, please call Ms. Blomquist, 613-717-2754.
