SMART seniors stay strong and independent
Marjorie Rolfe has noticed a significant improvement in her strength and balance since she has been taking a regular exercise class.
Rolfe has MS and says the class, which she attends twice a week, prevents her from having to use a cane or a walker. Even her doctor has noticed a marked improvement in her mobility in the three years she has been exercising regularly.
Rolfe joins in weekly SMART classes offered locally through VON falls prevention program, which is designed to keep seniors active and independent. SMART stands for Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together. In Creemore, classes are taught by volunteers Norma Verstegen and Deborah Smith, with Verstegen often leading a Tuesday afternoon class and Smith leading the Thursday morning class.
They use chairs, balls and other equipment to teach a low impact fitness program geared toward people 55 and older.
The exercises are adapted to each individual participant and can be performed seated or standing. There are no floor exercises.
Rolfe said her mobility is almost perfect and she has no aches and pains, which she attributes to regular exercise.
“I can work a whole soup day no problem,” said Rolfe, referring to the popular monthly double toonie lunch at St. Luke’s.
Smith said classes, which are between 45 minutes and one hour, start with a warm-up. They work in some cardio, strength, coordination and balance exercises before a cool down.
Smith said she has found that the exercise helps with her arthritis, by keeping the joints lubricated.
“It’s also nice to get out and have the camaraderie,” said Verstegen. “It’s a good social environment.”
The Creemore classes are currently undertaking a challenge to get in as many steps as possible. It takes 8,829,580 steps to walk across Canada and they are adding up their steps between Jan. 1 and July 1 to see how many times they can walk across the country leading up to Canada’s 150 birthday.
Classes take place Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Anglican Church. Participation is free and advance registration is not required. Participants must have a valid health card. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear.
The program is also in need of local volunteers to help lead classes. To learn more about training as an instructor, contact program coordinator Nicole Loughran at 705-321-0105 or Nicole.Loughran@von.ca.
Volunteer for SMART: no experience required
VON is Canada’s longest-standing home and community health care charity, serving more than 10,000 people in Ontario and Nova Scotia every day. Employees and volunteers deliver a wide range of vital health and wellness services, helping people remain healthy and at home for as long as possible. As valued and responsive health system partners at the heart of home and community care, we are distinguished by our commitment to client care and by our strong community roots and local engagement.
SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) is a gentle fitness program geared towards adults 55+ who are looking to improve their strength, balance and overall fitness level.
VON is looking for volunteers for in-home and group exercise programs.
Expectations and Responsibilities: Instruct a one-hour exercise program each week with clients either individually in their homes or in a group class setting. Provide basic information about these sessions back to the program coordinator. Attend on-going education sessions twice per year.
Skills and qualifications: No prior experience is required and full training will be provided! We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who have a keen interest in promoting health and well-being through physical activity.
Benefits: The opportunity to share your passion with others while increasing their quality of life through improved physical functioning. You will be a key factor in helping vulnerable seniors in your community maintain their independence and continue to live in their own homes safely. This is also a great opportunity to meet new people and have fun.
