A made in Delta Gymnastics program, that keeps seniors active and healthy, is scoring a perfect 10 thanks to funding from the provincial government.
Health Minister Adrian Dix and North Delta MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Multiculturalism Ravi Kahlon were on hand Tuesday morning in Ladner to announce a $150,000 grant to the Delta Gymnastics Society for its Seniors Can Move program.
Developed by the society in 2018, the program enables seniors to take part in physical activity in a gymnastics setting. Thanks to the funding, which is provided through Fraser Health, the society will continue to offer the hour-long group class, expand it to five times a week for the summer and eight times a week in the fall.
The funding announcement coincided with the first day of summer class (July 2) and classes will run until Aug. 29. Classes are open to all Delta seniors and registration is free. The program capacity has grown up to 150 participants. The classes include simple stretching routines, as well as other exercises designed to help improve agility, balance, co-ordination and strength.
“What has happened here in Delta I think is something extraordinary,” said Dix. “I think it is a story we should tell all over the province and I think it is something worthy of support. I want to especially acknowledge Delta Gymnastics because what they have done here is truly profound, truly life changing that will not only change lives here in Delta, but all over the province.”
The society will also create a course based on the program that can be taught and replicated at other gymnastics facilities and scale the 10-week program to pilot it at up to 16 other facilities in B.C., with a goal of providing 75 weeks of program delivery through fall 2020. As well, the society will bring geriatric professionals, like nurses and physiotherapists, to Delta Gymnastics for specialized consultations to support seniors’ health.
“This program is a game changer, not only for Delta, not only for B.C. but really across the country,” said Kahlon. “We have been trying to advance physical literacy across elementary schools and now we can say we are doing that for seniors as well. Hats off to Delta Gymnastics for all the work you have done. One day we will be able to say that this tidal wave of change started in Delta.”
Ana Arciniega, executive director for Delta Gymnastics Society said they strongly believe that seniors who reconnect with movement are more confident to engage with daily life.
“It provides them with the ability to complete simple to more complex tasks and activities, and more importantly, provides them with the motivation to continue to be active physically, mentally and emotionally,” said Arciniega. “We are so very grateful to the Ministry of Health and Fraser Health for trusting us with this very generous and forward thinking grant. It will allow us to change the conversation about seniors and their ability to participate in and enjoy a gymnastics program.”
Brenda Hodson, recreation manager at the Waterford in Tsawwassen said the program has greatly impacted their residents’ lives in the past year.
“Not only with their confidence levels, but with their physical abilities,” she said. “This program has been so beneficial. In the very beginning, we were a bit leery thinking could our seniors aged 70 to 100 can they do it? The answer is absolutely yes they can.”
Waterford resident Lorna Watkins said she has noticed a huge difference in her life since she started the program.
“I suffer from COPD, which is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Last month I went for my annual breathing test and followed up with the results telling my doctor about the program,” she said. “Since going to this program I can stand up tall, walk distances and breathe normally. My doctor told me my tests were better than last year, which is unheard of and I can just carry on and see him next year with no tests involved. I love it here and I can’t wait for the next session to start.”
