Encouraging seniors to stay active, or start exercising, is the goal of a new community event coming to Chilliwack.
The Bob Chan-Kent Family YMCA in Chilliwack is hosting Active Aging Day on Wednesday, April 15.
“If people are active, how do we keep them active? If they’re not active, how do we get them active? Because it all, in the end, leads to longer independent lives,” said Karen Price, general manager of the Chilliwack YMCA.
The day, geared toward those 60 and older, will include a resource fair with many community partners offering services to seniors, a social area with coffee and treats, and free health screenings.
People need to register for a 30-minute health screening either online, in person or by phone.
During this half-hour window, instructors will check participants’ blood pressure and heart rate, and perform a number of physical tests.
Physical tests will all be arranged in the gym. When they sign up, seniors will receive a scorecard to keep track of their test results.
There is a ‘get up and walk’ test where seniors are timed to see how long it takes them to go from a chair to a standing position, walk a certain distance, turn around, turn around and sit down again.
The sit-to-stand test counts how many times they go from sitting to standing, and vice versa, in 30 seconds.
Seniors will do a 10-minute walk where the instructor measures the distance they can walk in 10 minutes, even if they need to sit and rest during that time.
Upper and lower flexibility tests will also be performed, along with a balance test standing on one leg, and a strength test. They will test strength using a handgrip dynamometer, which is similar to the pressure of a spring-loaded handle.
During the 30-minute health check-up, teachers will also conduct a comprehension test to monitor how well participants can follow the instructions.
“Finally, you’ll sit down with a trained fitness professional to discuss your scorecard and exercise options,” Price said.
The resource fair will include information booths such as the Chilliwack and District Seniors Resource Association, Alzheimer’s Association of BC, Chilliwack Neighbor Welcome, as well as businesses and organizations offering how to apply for funding for access to retirement homes, physiotherapy, aging research, and home bathroom renovations.
“People who exercise usually have a routine, but may not have a goal,” she added.
Active Age Day is a way for people to set a goal to maintain or improve their exercise habits.
“If you haven’t exercised your whole life, it’s hard. People don’t know where to start.” Price said. “If you sit in a chair all day, you’re going to lose muscle power, you’re going to lose cardiovascular work, basically you’re going to lose performance.”
The event is designed for those who are looking for some guidance.
Gillian Phillips, 86, has been coming to the Y for nearly 20 years. When she had breast cancer in 2005, several lymph nodes were removed.
“It’s so important to stay active. I had 27 lymph nodes removed from one arm and they didn’t think I would make it through the cancer.”
Two years later, he was hit by a car. The collision resulted in broken arteries, broken legs, and a collapsed lung.
Phillips has a bolt in her back so she can’t go very far, and she also uses a crutch. But, she is able to use the NuStep at the Y, which is a piece of equipment that exercises her legs and arms at the same time.
“I come to the Y at least twice a week and I do 75 minutes on the NuStep.”
She also takes gentle basics classes to exercise her small muscles.
Phillips spoke highly of the staff at the YMCA and said they helped keep her active, healthy and independent over the years.
“I have to say, the Y is great because it keeps me going. I’m still driving and I’m still in my house. I’m happy to be here.”
Active Age Day is free and scheduled for Wednesday, April 15 from 10 am to 3 pm at 45844 Hocking Ave in Chilliwack. Set at the Bob Chan Kent Family YMCA. People can come in, see the resource fair, and tour the facility.
To register for 30-minute health checks, call 604-792-3371, sign up in person at the Y, or visit eventbrite.ca/e/ymca-active-aging-day-april-15-community-programs-free-health-checks-tickets-1982495149 604-792-3371.
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