LONG-TERM CARE NEWS
Seniors DANCE program waltzes across Canada hroughout her retirement, Joanne Weeks always stayed active and attended weekly fitness classes. But when the pandemic hit, the classes were cancelled. Weeks noticed the decline not just in her fitness level, but her balance and flexibility as well. “I felt like my fitness had gone backwards,” she says. “Things that had always been easy for me, like going upstairs and gardening, became harder. I was at a loss without my fitness classes.” Then, a friend of Weeks’ posted on Facebook about some virtual fitness and dance classes.
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VIRTUAL FITNESS FOR OLDER ADULTS Joanne Weeks
In response to the pandemic, the GERAS Centre for Aging Research (GERAS Centre), a joint research centre of Hamilton Health Scienc-
GERAS DANCE HAS BEEN FILLING A NEED FOR OLDER ADULTS NOT JUST PHYSICALLY, BUT SOCIALLY AND MENTALLY
es (HHS) and McMaster University, partnered with the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford to create LiveWell at Home, a virtual senior-friendly fitness program. “I was one of the first people to register for the virtual fitness program,” says Weeks. “It was exactly what I needed to get back what I’d lost.” For the past three years, the GERAS DANCE research study has involved more than 500 seniors at 12 YMCA sites across Ontario. The study has found that dance classes for older adults
sharpens the mind, strengthens the body and helps build social connections. “GERAS DANCE has been filling a need for older adults not just physically, but socially and mentally,” says Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou, Geriatrician at HHS and executive director at the GERAS Centre.
STAYING SOCIAL AND ACTIVE DURING THE PANDEMIC
“The pandemic made it difficult for some older adults to get out and
It’s time to start caring for your feet again! Many of us have put personal care services on hold during the pandemic. But foot care is important for overall health and well-being, especially for older adults and diabetics. 9+$ +RPH +HDOWK&DUHȇV FHUWLȴHG WHDP RI IRRW care nurses are ready to help and will come to your home to provide the care you need. Visit www.vha.ca/private-services to learn more about VHA’s foot care services.
26 HOSPITAL NEWS AUGUST 2021
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