Holistic:
Classes and programs are well-rounded and consider the whole individual by taking into account the physical, social, and emotional well-being of the participants.
Participant Driven:
The individuals who participate in programs help to identify what they want to learn. Seniors who started the simple stretching routines to increase mobility have asked for weight training and line dancing! The programming is responsive to the wants of the community.
Active Aldershot has a strong history of working with local stakeholders and of reaching hard to engage members of our community. Their track record is impressive; the support of this capital campaign on behalf of Active Aldershot will provide a long-term endowment in the local community by investing in the health and wellness of our citizens – children to senior citizens.
Active Aldershot has developed a trusted reputation for working with children and youth in the area of ‘physical literacy’. Physical literacy is the development of fundamental movement skills and fundamental sports skills that permit a child to move confidently and with a wide range of physical activity, rhythmic (dance), and sports situations. The physical literacy programs that have been implemented by Active Aldershot have been very successful; the outcomes achieved relate to increased confidence, skill building, team building, and social skills demonstrated by the boys and girls.
Seniors also need to be reconnected with exercise. Too many seniors are becoming increasingly at risk for falls, social isolation, and an array of illnesses caused by physical inactivity.
Active Aldershot has developed a focused niche to engage isolated seniors in exercise. The Active Aldershot Community Centre will support seniors in the neighborhood where they live. Physical activity is one of the most important things seniors can do to maintain their physical and mental health, quality of life, independence, and dignity. Inactivity leads to a decline in bone strength, muscle strength, heart/lung fitness, and flexibility. Programming includes reaching out to isolated seniors to engage them in regularly scheduled activities that include stretching, targeted exercise to keep their muscles in good condition, resistance training to improve muscle mass and strength, and socialization.
Starting and sticking with a regular exercise program is often the most difficult lifestyle change to make. Targeting isolated seniors, one person at a time, and supporting them with easy-to-follow instruction while providing an opportunity for socialization achieves outcomes. The advertising works through word of mouth, from one person to the next. The number of active participants has grown from 3 to 18-20 in just over a year. Active Aldershot is making a difference.