Staying fit through all stages of life: A Q&A with the Churchill Seniors Centre

BY CHARLIE SENACK

Westboro’s Churchill Seniors Centre offers a variety of programming for seniors of all capabilities.

Located in the former Nepean Town Hall at 345 Richmond Rd, the space is for seniors 50 and over who are looking to stay fit, make friends and get engaged in the community.

The Kitchissippi Times sat down with Anita Findlay, program coordinator at the centre, to learn more about what they offer.

KT: What kinds of programming are you offering this summer and fall?

AF: Although our Summer schedule offers less than Fall, we are offering Strength and Balance registered classes as well as Line Dance and Yoga, just to name a few.

Monday afternoons are busy with drop-in duplicate bridge players. The first and third Wednesdays will see our hall filled with dancers as we offer a drop-in social dance. Heading into the Fall we will have the return of drop-in Tai Chi and the Ukulele sing-along as well as drop-in and registered Line Dance lessons. We offer more opportunities to attend fitness classes from Pilates to Cardio. Zumba classes are also offered alongside Strength and Balance and an Integrated Fitness class for those with health and mobility issues.

KT: For seniors who want to exercise from home, do you have any useful tips?

AF: We have a handout from Public Health with basic exercises that promote improved balance and we are happy to show clients things they can do. Rogers TV opened up several Better Strength Better Balance episodes onto YouTube for seniors to access virtually as well. Doing sit to stands and pushups off the wall or counters are two great strength exercises for legs, arms, shoulders and core and are needed in activities of daily living.

KT: How much physical activity should people be doing every day?

AF: It is recommended that everyone should work to exercise at a pace to increase their heart rate for 30 minutes daily. That might mean three tenminute segments at first and build their cardiovascular stamina slowly. A minimum goal of 150 minutes weekly is the minimum for being active. It is also necessary to do strength training exercises 2-3 times per week.

KT: How can people get involved with the Churchill Seniors Centre?

AF: We do not require you to purchase a membership. You can stop by the Center and pick up a schedule and get a tour weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can register for a seven week session class or you can attend a drop-in program and pay as you go. Call us at 613-769-8927 and our staff will be happy to answer questions and help direct you.

I was already living in Unitarian House, in a one-bedroom apartment, after eleven years on the waiting list, when my savings ran out. I was panic stricken. My OAS pension was then $1200 a month. Unitarian House is not-for-profit, but the rent for my one-bedroom apartment was still $943 per month. Add on hydro av. $70; food $300-$400; phone $60; senior’s bus pass $47. (No dentistry, clothing, replacement of worn-out household items, Christmas and birthday presents etc). Even if I went to the food bank, I couldn’t keep my apartment in UH. Where could I go?

I am so lucky that I lived here because I could apply for a rent subsidy in December, which was granted to start the following May. The moment I knew this the paralyzing fear went away. The subsidy is enough that although I cannot run a car, I have a very good life, able to buy not only necessities, but to upgrade my glasses, see the dentist and occasionally have a meal out, enjoy Christmas and family birthdays, buy the odd book, and go to the NGC.

I am one of 14 apartment residents out of 76 who have subsidies. That is not very many. The awful truth is that there are 24 people on our waiting list who need subsidies and cannot move in unless they can have one.

Low-income seniors are the highest demographic of people living in poverty – 12%. Rapacious landlords are turning them out of low rent properties and rents for one-bedroom apartments are now $1700-$2000. OAS has just been raised to $1500. People on OAS are people on whose work you have depended –retail workers, delivery people, PSWs, construction workers, waiters, and the self-employed such as psychotherapists, chefs, small business owners.

I am happy to share my personal story to convey to you just what this means and why it is so important to raise as much as we can through the Grand Parade. I am passionate about helping others who live in poverty as I’m sure you are. Please give generously. Any amount big or small is greatly appreciated.

Let’strytodoublewhatweraised

Unitarian House Staff and Residents are once again participating in the Grand Parade.

Note: This research study has been approved by the Ottawa Health Sciences Network Research Ethics Board

This fundraising event is held Canada wide and its focus is to improve the life of our Seniors. Unitarian House is a registered charity and is responsible for raising the funds necessary to support its’ programs. The funds raised will assist residents who are experiencing financial hardship. Please support our fundraising efforts. Unitarian House is registered under Ottawa West-Westboro. We also accept cash and cheques.

Please note the cheques must be issued to “The Grand Parade”.

You can find more information and donate by typing the following link on your search bar: thegrandparade.org/location/ottawawestboro