(CMR) A 98-year-old woman is one of the East End seniors who will soon be able to keep fit and mobile by taking AquaFit classes. Up to last Thursday, 20 persons had already signed up for the classes formally known as Water Exercise for Seniors.
Launched on Thursday, 27 May, the free, low-impact water sessions for the over 60s are a Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) initiative, in partnership with Ocean Frontiers and prime sponsor Wheaton Precious Metals International Ltd.
Several older persons, including the nonagenarian, attended the launch at the dive operation to learn more about the 20-week program set to kick off on Friday, June 4.
Director DCFS Paulinda Mendoza-Williams welcomed the collaboration as a good example of how communities can be supported.
“I want to encourage you to participate as much as you can. It is good for muscles and the aches and pains that we have,” she concluded.
Head of the Swim and Safety program Candace Zwarich, who is also the Starfish Aquatics Institute (SAI) swim instructor, yoga teacher and PADI dive instructor, will teach the weekly, hourlong classes and advised on the poolside sessions.
“Exercises will help build overall strength and flexibility. Warming up the body is a key part of the classes to regain mobility in the joints safely before ramping it up with some cardio,” she said, adding that the program will take place in shallow water.
Wheaton Precious Metals Vice-President (commercial and sustainability) Andre Budylin said: “We’ve worked with Delmira [Bodden DCFS Community Development Officer for East End] on a number of initiatives.”
“It takes a community [of volunteers] to make a community. This is a perfect example of where we come together as partners to make something that I hope will be of great benefit to everyone here. I’m definitely looking forward to coming back and seeing it in action.”
For more information about these classes, call Ocean Frontiers at 323-4040.
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