With more older adults facing loneliness and declining mental health, Calgary community centres are proving that exercise programs can do more than keep older adults active — they can help create friendship, routine and a sense of belonging.
Studies reveal that just 150 minutes of exercise a week and two days of strength maintenance can greatly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in older adults. This can also encourage social interaction when done in a group setting.
In Calgary, associations like the Bowness Seniors Centre that began in 1961, are working to keep seniors healthy both mentally and physically. They offer a wide range of activities including floor curling, billiards, yoga and physical strength programs.
Karen McIntosh is the treasurer of the Bowness Seniors Center and believes physical activity is key to helping older adults as they age.
“Research does show that as soon as you do something in a social group, your mental load or your mental stress can significantly decrease,” said McIntosh.
For those who may need extra help due to mobility limitations, the staff is there to provide support.
“The people that we have to do the instruction are very, very good at adapting the activities,” said McIntosh.
In addition, the centre strives to offer more than just physical activity for its members — it’s a place where friendships can grow and develop.
Members enjoy “community gatherings, exercise, dance, laughing,” said current president Merrill Coombs, a member of Bowness Seniors Center for over 15 years. “Just a great gathering place.”
Coombs says the centre is also there when people are moving to a new place — a condo, for example — and they don’t know anyone.
Irma and Alan, two people Coombs is familiar with, had lived on their own and dealt with a lot of sadness in their lives. After they met through participating in activities at the centre, they became close and eventually moved in together, then, at the ages of 90 and 85, they got married.
Traditionally, many older adults stayed at home or went to their children’s place before they went into a nursing home once they couldn’t take care of themselves.
McIntosh said, “Now they have so many more facilities where seniors can live and they can still be independent.”
Like the Bowness Seniors Centre, other organizations in Calgary are focused on the well-being of older adults. The FLC Seniors Club strives to keep seniors active with a growing emphasis on social connection through activities like line dancing.
Glennis Martin teaches a seniors line dancing class for FLC. As an instructor and participant herself, Martin believes staying active plays a key role in maintaining both physical and mental health later in life.
“Being a senior myself, I am a big proponent of physical activity for seniors, no matter what it is,” said Martin. “Programs like this one are important for the community because sometimes as people age, they tend to not want to go out as much.”
The dance program at the FLC Seniors Club began in 2010 and has grown significantly over the years. What started as a handful of classes has now expanded into 17 sessions at varying levels of difficulty, offering opportunities for beginners and experienced dancers alike.
Beyond the physical benefits, Martin says the classes have become an important social outlet.
“In many of our classes friendships have started with going for coffee and then developing into ‘outside’ the class get togethers.”
For older adults — especially those new to Calgary or living alone — the classes provide a space for anyone to participate.
Martin notes, “Line dancing doesn’t require a partner, so people can come on their own and still feel included. It gives people a reason to get out, socialize, and reconnect with hobbies or passions they might have left behind.”
Martin, who has been line dancing for 16 years and teaching for six, says the impact goes beyond the dance floor.
“I’ve made some good friends along the way, some from my very first class, and I still see them today. And I continue to meet new people every class I teach.”
The FLC Seniors Club also offers many other activities including Tai Chi, billiards and cycling, all aimed at improving overall well-being.
