The City of Burnaby is hosting a series of special activities this September for Active Aging Week, an annual worldwide event that puts a positive spin on getting older.
Four local community centres - Edmonds, Cameron, Bonsor and Confederation - are running special programs for seniors from Sept. 21 to 27, and all the activities are free.
From pilates, to dancing, to snooker and table tennis, the choices vary and support seniors in staying fit and engaged in their communities.
Staying active doesn't necessarily mean exercising, according to Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging. Milner's for-profit enterprise puts on the Active Aging Week, which is now in its 11th year and is celebrated in 37 different countries.
Staying active isn't just about exercise - it includes being socially connected, keeping your mind active, exercising and volunteering, Milner explained.
"We look at all areas of life, irrespective of your socio-economic status and irrespective of your health," he said. "If you're in a wheelchair, ... life doesn't stop. It's certainly not just about physical activity."
Exercise can help people function longer as they age and their bodies lose strength.
"If we get older and we are inactive, we begin to lose our abilities. Physical activity and exercise allows us to maintain them for a much longer time," Milner said.
To take advantage of the free activities for Active Aging Week, check out the events posted on the bulletin boards at each community centre or go online at www.burnaby.ca.
Active Aging Week, Sept. 21 to 27
Monday, Sept. 22
55+ weight room tour, Edmonds Community Centre, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Cross-Step Waltz Sampler, Confederation Centre, 10:30 a.m. to noon (Call Confederation to register - 345246)
Snooker lesson, Bonsor 55+ Centre, 1 to 3 p.m.
55+ wellness sampler, Edmonds Community Centre, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (call Edmonds to register - 344946)
Infused Bliss Sampler, Bonsor 55+ Centre, 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. (call Bonsor to register - 340957)
Nia Sampler, Bonsor 55+ Centre, 6 to 7:15 p.m. (call Bonsor to register - 336247)
Tuesday, Sept. 23
55+ Table Tennis, Edmonds Community Centre, 9 a.m. to noon
Strength training in the park, Cameron Community Centre, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (call Cameron to register - 348469)
55+ dance sampler, Edmonds Community Centre, 1:30 to 2:30 a.m. (call Edmonds to register - 344942)
Yoga therapy sampler, Bonsor Complex, 2:15 to 3:30p.m., (call Bonsor to register - 340212)
Tranquility fitness sampler, Bonsor 55+ Centre, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (call Bonsor to register - 347074)
Ball drumming fitness sampler, Confederation Centre, 5 to 6 p.m. (call Confed to register - 345270)
Wednesday, Sept. 24
Mallwalking @ Metrotown, meet at the Burger King, 8:45 to 9:45am
Naturopath Talk with Margret Holland, Bonsor 55+ Centre, 10 to 11:30 a.m. (call Bonsor to register - 348201)
55+ snooker lesson, Edmonds Community Centre, 10 a.m. to noon
Learn to play pickleball, Edmonds Community Centre, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Line dance beginner sampler, Confederation Centre, 2 to 3:30 p.m. (call Confed to register - 345247)
Boomer boot camp sampler, Confederation Centre, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (call Confed to register - 345898)
Hatha/pilates sampler, Bonsor 55+ Centre, 5 to 6:15 p.m. (call Bonsor to register - 340956)
Music by Sandro Camerin, Active Aging Week Social, Bonsor 55+ Centre - Lounge, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 25
Balance and stability, Bonsor Complex, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (call Bonsor to register - 348200)
Seniors-youth carpet bowling challenge, Edmonds Community Centre, 12:30 to 3 p.m.
Pilates mat sampler, Bonsor 55+ Centre, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (call Bonsor to register - 341258)
Friday, Sept. 26
Walking club, Confederation Centre, 9:15 a.m.
Zumba for seniors, Cameron Community Centre, 9:15 to 10 a.m.
55+ snooker lesson, Edmonds Community Centre, 10 a.m. to noon
Pole walking, Cameron Community Centre, 10 to 11 a.m.
Seniors Social Dance, Edmonds Community Centre, 1 to 3 p.m.
55+ Fine Arts Sampler, Edmonds Community Centre, 1:30 to 3 p.m. (call Edmonds to register - 346775)
Saturday, Sept. 27
Martial gym sampler, Bonsor 55+ Centre, 9:10 to 10:10 a.m., (call Bonsor
to register - 346879)
Bonsor Complex: 604-297-4580
Cameron Complex: 604-297-4456
Confederation Centre: 604-294-1936
Edmonds Community Centre: 604-297-4838
