Encouraging seniors to stay active, or start exercising, is the goal of a new community event coming to Chilliwack.<\/p>\n
The Bob Chan-Kent Family YMCA in Chilliwack is hosting Active Aging Day on Wednesday, April 15.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf people are active, how do we keep them active? If they\u2019re not active, how do we get them active? Because all of this, in the end, leads to a longer independent life,\u201d said Karen Price, general manager of the Chilliwack YMCA.<\/p>\n
The day, which is geared towards adults aged 60 and older, will include a resource fair with numerous community partners that offer services to seniors, a social area with coffee and treats, plus free health checks.<\/p>\n
People need to pre-register for the 30-minute health checks either online, in-person, or by phone.<\/p>\n
During that half-hour window, instructors will check the participants\u2019 blood pressure and heart rate, and also perform several physical tests.<\/p>\n
The physical tests will all be set up in the gym. When they sign in, seniors will get a scorecard to keep track of their test results.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s the \u2018get-up-and-go\u2019 test where the senior is timed to see how long it takes for them to go from a seated to standing position, walk a certain distance, turn around, walk back and sit down again.<\/p>\n
The \u2018sit-to-stand\u2019 test counts how many times they can go from seated to standing, and vice versa, in 30 seconds.<\/p>\n
Seniors will do a 10-minute walk where instructors measure the distance they can go in 10 minutes, even if they need to sit and rest during that time.<\/p>\n
Upper and lower flexibility tests will also be done, 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 squeezing a spring-loaded handle.<\/p>\n
During the 30-minute health check, instructors will also do a cognition test by monitoring how well participants can follow instructions.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end, you will sit down with a trained fitness professional to discuss your scorecard and exercise options,\u201d Price said.<\/p>\n
The resource fair will include info booths like Chilliwack and District Seniors\u2019 Resources Society, Alzheimer Society of BC, Chilliwack Neighbourhood Welcome, plus businesses and organizations offering information on retirement homes, physiotherapy, research on aging, and how to apply for funding to get an accessible bathroom renovation done at home.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe people that exercise, they usually have a routine, but they might not have a goal,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Active Aging Day is a way for people to set a goal to either maintain or improve their exercise habits.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you haven\u2019t exercised all your life, it\u2019s daunting. People have no clue where to start,\u201d Price said. \u201cIf you sit in a chair all day, you will lose muscle strength, you will lose cardio, basically you will lose function.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event is designed for those looking for some direction.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so important to stay active. I had 27 lymph nodes taken out of one arm and they didn\u2019t think I would make it through cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two years later, she was hit by a car. The collision resulted in a broken pelvis, broken ribs, and collapsed lung.<\/p>\n
Phillips has a bolt in her back so she cannot walk very far, and she also uses a cane. But, she is able to use the NuStep at the Y, which is a seated piece of equipment that exercises the legs and arms at the same time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI come to the Y at least twice a week and I do 75 minutes on the NuStep.\u201d<\/p>\n
She also takes the Gentle Basics class to exercise her small muscles.<\/p>\n
Phillips spoke highly of the staff at the YMCA and said they\u2019ve helped keep her active, healthy and independent for years.<\/p>\n
\u201dI have to say, the Y is wonderful because it\u2019s kept me going. I\u2019m still driving and I\u2019m still in my own house. I\u2019m happy to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Active Aging Day is free and is set for Wednesday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bob Chan-Kent Family YMCA at 45844 Hocking Ave. in Chilliwack. People can drop in, check out the resource fair, and tour the facility.<\/p>\n