For seniors who are looking for somewhere to exercise, do crafts, play cards or just socialize, d’Esterre Seniors’ Centre Association is the place to be in Comox.
President of the association, Mike Corkish, said the list of clubs and activities is extensive and continues to grow. But aside from the programs, the association is a place to make friends.
“We also have the social side of it. You can sit down anytime and have a cup of tea or muffin with your group,” he said. “There’s something happening there seven days a week.”
Corkish adds that their exercise classes are specifically adapted to members of all abilities who wish to keep in shape and improve their mobility.
“There’s various levels of fitness and we have various classes to cover that,” he said.
Among the association’s exercise classes, the centre currently has eight yoga and meditation classes with another beginning mid-September. While there are traditional yoga classes, the association also offers chair yoga for people who need more support or have limited mobility.
“With the chair yoga, some people have seen such an improvement in their balance and strength,” said Linda Barfoot, coordinator of the yoga classes. “They might be using the chair as a prop for doing different yoga moves, but people who cannot be on their feet as much can use the chair and the teacher will adapt things for them.
Regular yoga practice is particularly beneficial to help reduce swelling in joints, increase joint mobility and strength. It can also help to improve sleep, mood and overall wellbeing.
“It’s just keeping them active and fit and they’re definitely going to enjoy the activities that they like to do a lot longer,” said Barfoot.
Recently, the Association has dropped their minimum membership age down to 50. Corkish said they now have over 900 members, between the ages of 50 and 100.
For more information on the D’Esterre Seniors’ Centre Association, a list of clubs and activites and to become a member, visit www.comoxseniors.ca
