WELLINGTON COUNTY – Aging is a part of life that includes many great experiences, special moments with family and friends and opportunities to travel and learn new skills.
One way of increasing your energy level for all of this is to increase your activity level.
Most people have all heard this so many times that it can seem tiresome; but not as tiresome as no longer having the energy to do the things you enjoy. Fatigue, joint pain and poor balance along with an increased risk of falls are just a few of the side effects of a sedentary lifestyle. All of these can be improved by exercise.
Just ask Lynn Kraemer, an older adult living in Centre Wellington who connected with Jena Docking at the Upper Grand Family Health Team after a heart issue in October of 2020.
“I began my three-month rehab program twenty-five weeks later. I am still following my program. I have come to realize that a heart healthy fitness program doesn’t just last for three months … it’s a life-time commitment … to myself. I have always loved walking, but I have now learned how to walk in a way that is more beneficial to keeping my heart healthy.”
Lynn has noticed a significant decrease in her aches and pains and getting down to play at her grandchildren’s level is not a challenge.
“Thirty weeks ago, my stamina was very low, I now feel more energized all the time.”
Similar comments were echoed by a client of Sandy Turner at the Minto-Mapleton Family Health Team.
Loryne Kimmie expresses, “exercise classes have helped strengthen my muscles and loosen stiff joints. I have learned better ways to move so that pain can be eliminated or at least, reduced. The staff have been very encouraging and the group setting, for me, is definitely a motivator.”
Loryne completed an eight-week exercise and education program for hip and knee osteoarthritis. She learned proper technique of nine neuromuscular strengthening exercises to help manage her joint pain and continues a home-based exercise program to maintain her progress.
David Dougherty shared that he has been attending the “VON SMART” Zoom class for seniors for five months. He enjoys having options for class intensity.
“I am 76 and I participate in the low impact class, it suits me the best, it helps me exercise all my muscles and joints and improves my breathing.”
David has noticed another benefit from exercising: “Being shut in due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Zoom classes get me up off of the couch, I have lost 10 lbs instead of gaining 10. The instructors are very well trained and always explain what muscles the different exercises are helping.”
Engaging in activities such as strength training or a brisk walk are excellent ways to not only achieve some of the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week, but also to improve balance, core strength and stability — three game changers for preventing falls.
Falls remain the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among older adults living in Canada. In fact, between 20 and 30 per cent of older adults fall each year.
The Safe Communities exercise booklet outlines specific exercises to target balance, core strength and stability.
Starting June 5, the local Safe Communities Falls Prevention committee is launching an eight-week activity contest called Put a Spring in your Step which encourages you to start moving and record your activity for a chance to win a prize.
Review the ad in this edition of the paper for additional details and follow your local Seniors’ Centre for Excellence, VON and Family Health Teams (Mount Forest; Minto-Mapleton; Upper Grand) on Facebook for more information and updates on the contest.