Age no barrier to new activities

Building confidence, trying new activities, and having fun are just some of the reasons for locals aged 60-plus to attend the inaugural Wairarapa Senior Regional Games later this month.

Organised by Nuku Ora [formerly Sport Wellington] and the three Wairarapa councils, the Senior Regional Games is a new event for Wairarapa. Held annually in Wellington, the games allow older people to participate in a variety of light-exercise sports and activities.

At the Wairarapa event, held at Trust House Recreation Centre in Masterton, attendees can try out a range of sports in the main gym, such as badminton, floorball, line dancing, indoor bowls, and walking netball.

Pilates, chair-based exercises, and aqua fitness classes are also on offer, as well as brain games [to keep the mind active] organised by Masterton District Library. A light lunch will also be provided.

Janice Murrell, community development lead for older people at Nuku Ora, said feedback on the Wellington event has been “very positive”, with participants appreciative of being able to try new experiences and meet new people.

“It’s not a competitive event. It’s all about having fun and the participants focusing on what their bodies can do – not what they can’t do.”

“We all know the importance of keeping active and keeping up social connections when we get older,” Lisa Matthews, Positive Ageing Strategy coordinator for the Wairarapa councils, added.

“The Senior Regional Games is a great way to do both!”

The Wairarapa Senior Regional Games will be held on Thursday, March 30, from 10am to 1pm. Registration is required for catering purposes. To register, or for more information, go to www. nukuora.org.nz, and follow