Local seniors beat ailments through dance, exercise
The seniors choose not to stay idle and watch life go by – they gleefully step onto the dance floor every week to keep fit. It's a precious time for them, which lights up their day and simultaneously improves their muscle strength and mental well-being.
FOR the longest time, she was using a walking stick as an aid and could not bend down to tie up her shoelaces. After four weeks of dance exercise, she was able to lose the walking stick and perform some personal movements, and her balance was vastly improved.
Today Merle Vallance leads a group of senior citizens who assemble every Monday at Manning Road Methodist Church hall. The mission is to keep fit and improve mental and physical health through dance.
Vallance is the convenor, under the banner of South African Senior Fitness Association (SASFA). The mother body is based in Gauteng, and local dance instructors are trained to conduct classes.
“The classes are designed for stimulation of flexibility, cardiovascular strength, stamina and general physical fitness. We start with warm-up sessions and end with cooldowns. Our routines are low impact, but each member works out to their level of fitness. We use different kinds of music from the 60s, 70s and 80s up to present day tunes. These exercises are set to enjoyable and stimulating music,” Vallance said.
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The one-hour programme, with breaks in between, sees happy faces among the elderly as they dance with excitement and laughter.
SASFA started in 1990 as a non-profit organisation. The aim and purpose is to reach as many seniors throughout the country as possible, to advocate for why regular and appropriate senior-related exercise is extremely valuable and vital in creating a better quality of life.
“If you want to improve your mental well-being, balance and fitness level, then come along to join a class or two. The introductory class is free, so bring along a friend and have lots of fun and meet new people,” added Vallance.
The participants shared, “We find that the programme is so beneficial in helping with body ailments because the movements are mild to moderate. There are other benefits as well, like working on blood circulation and more. And all this to great music! Any senior would thoroughly enjoy this class. Give it a try!”
The elderly or their families are encouraged to join. For more info or to join, contact Vallance on 072 213 2662 or visit the church on the corner of Manning Road and Moore Road, Glenwood every Monday morning.
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