Seniors Helping Seniors is a program that establishes a supportive connection between a volunteer and a senior in need. For over ten years, the Seniors Wellness In Motion (SWIM) program has been providing support to seniors in Kimberley to remain active both physically and socially.
“It fosters a healthy social and supportive relationship allowing older persons to help other older and more vulnerable seniors engage in their community,” says kootenayseniors.ca.
Kimberley volunteer Diane Murphy says that despite the name there is no swimming involved, just simple and soft exercises, done to the participant’s ability, in the leisure pool in warm, waist deep water.
Murphy explained that the SWIM program also stands for another acronym: S stands for seniors wanting to get out and socialize and have some laughs, W stands for wellness for mind and body, I stands for in water and M stands for motion to keep the muscles and joints moving and improve balance to prevent falls.
“The program is geared towards seniors with mobility issues and needing socialization,” said Murphy. “Non-swimmers are welcome as we don’t swim, we just move in the water; it’s really about coming out and having some fun. It’s an easy exercise in the leisure pool focusing on neck and arm movements and simple games; nothing too strenuous.”
The program takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10a.m. at the Kimberley Aquatic Centre. Participants must be able to dress themselves and walk themselves or with the aid of a walker. SWIM volunteers work with participant’s doctors to determine if the program is right for them, however volunteers are not medically trained.
“After the pool we have coffee and treats before the bus or their rides take them home,” Murphy said. “We have many people living in Gardenview who already participate.”
Murphy says that the program has recently seen a decline in participants, however.
“Many people have either moved or passed away so we are looking to recruit more people to join,” said Murphy. “A bus ride can be arranged to and from the Aquatic Centre.”
For more information or to sign up contact Murphy at 250.919.6420 or Kathy Korben at 250.427.2973. For information on Kootenay Seniors programming, visit www.kotenayseniors.ca.