Seniors in the Vernon area may soon be able to benefit from their health by getting moving.
This September, a free program is returning to Greater Vernon Recreation Services that motivates seniors to get up, get outside and get active.
Choose to Move is a research-based program that motivates and supports people aged 65 and over to exercise while meeting new people.
Choose to Move is supported by research from the University of British Columbia’s Active Aging Research Team and is designed to help older adults set and achieve their physical activity goals. The researchers found that while most BC seniors struggle to achieve the recommended amount of weekly exercise, few programs exist to help seniors in a sustainable way.
“One of the reasons this program seems to work is that it is choice-based. This means that participants set goals and choose activities that interest them to help them achieve their goals,” explains researcher Christa Hoy. “With the support of their activity coach and peers, participants add more physical activity to their daily lives, making it easier to stay active after the program ends.”
The program is aimed at people who are not currently active but want to get moving. Participants will work one-on-one with an activity coach to develop a plan that fits their lifestyle.
“Choose to Move is a great program! With the help of an activity coach, it allows seniors to find ways to get started and stay active,” said Deb Treherne, recreation programmer. “It’s not a fitness class, so participants don’t they have to go to the gym. Instead, they choose activities they enjoy doing.”
The program is offered through the BC Recreation and Parks Association and the YMCA, with support from the UBC Active Aging Research Team led by Drs. Heather McKay and Joanie Sims-Gould. Researchers will monitor Choose to Move across the province and assess its impact on the health, mobility and social connectedness of older adults.
“Choosing to move has been beneficial for me, especially because of its flexibility. My activity levels have increased and my days are busier. I love it. I have more options, so I choose to move,” said one previous participant
To date, Choose to Move has improved the health of more than 5,000 seniors across the province. The program is available at Greater Vernon Recreation Services beginning Thursday, September 8 with an informational session.
To register, visit gvrec.ca. For more information, call 250-550-3672 or email activeliving@vernon.ca.
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Brendan Shykora
Seniors Vernon