By Vernn Matters Staff

Choose To Move offered to local seniors

Dec 6, 2019 | 9:30 AM

People aged 65 and older who are not currently active, but want to get moving, can sign up for the Choose to Move program.

The innovative six-month program that motivates seniors to get up, get out, and get active is returning to Greater Vernon Recreation Services, at no cost to participants.

The city says the program is based on research from the University of British Columbia’s Active Aging Research Team, and is designed to help seniors set and meet their physical activity goals.

“One reason why this program seems to work is that it is choice-based,” said Christa Hoy, one of the researchers. “This means that participants set goals and choose activities that are of interest to them to help them achieve their goals.”

Participants work one-on-one with an activity coach to develop a personal plan that fits with their preferences and lifestyle.

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For the first three months, participants meet with their activity coach for guidance and connect at least once a month with their peers and coach for support.

“Choose to Move helps you build a plan for adding daily activity into your life. It is based on your interests and abilities,” said Deb Treherne, Recreation Programmer for Greater Vernon Recreation Services. “It is not a fitness class, so participants don’t have to go to the gym – instead they choose activities they like to do,” said Treherne.

Choose to Move is offered through the BC Recreation and Parks Association and the YMCA, with the support of UBC’s Active Aging Research Team led by Drs. Heather McKay and Joanie Sims-Gould.

The researchers will monitor Choose to Move across the province and evaluate its impact on health, mobility, and social connectedness of older adults.

Choose to Move will be available at Greater Vernon Recreation starting in January with an information session on Tuesday, December 10.

To register, visit www.gvrec.ca, or get more info from Deb Treherne at 250-550-3672 or activeliving@vernon.ca.

by Vernn Matters Staff

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