Age-friendly social fitness program proposed

Getting started in a fitness program is daunting enough, but when you adding age-related infirmities, it can be intimidating.

Barriers to taking part can include not just cost, but being intimidated by the fitness equipment, fear of falling and injury or just a general lack of confidence.

The City of Penticton recreation department tried to relieve some of those concerns with the Penticton Fit Start Program, a free fitness program for 55 to 69-year-olds, under a grant from the Union of B.C. Municipalities age-friendly communities program.

Recreation co-ordinator Shaun Ironstone says they had a total of 21 registrations for the 2018 program, which ended on Aug. 30.

“We were shooting for 20 originally, but we ended up adding an extra one,” said Ironstone.

With city council’s support, the recreation program is looking to extend the program in 2019, going after another $15,000 grant to create a free social inclusion and exercise program, again for the 55 to 69 demographic, with cognitive, intellectual and developmental challenges.

If grant funding is received, the Social Activities and Fitness for Everyone program will provide equal opportunities for individuals to connect to services and supports thereby enabling them to become more involved in their community through fitness, aquatic, dance, music, self-management, sport and arts and crafts.

The funds will be allocated to the purchase of several different pieces of adapted exercise equipment which will be available to all patrons, as well as going toward services rendered by independent recreation contractors, providing healthy snacks during the program, transportation, marketing and education sessions.

The age-friendly communities grant program is intended to assist local governments in supporting aging populations, developing and implementing policies and plans or undertaking projects that enable seniors to age in place.