Ever wonder what is going on at the Council on Aging (C0A), even though our doors are closed? How our older neighbors are doing during this time of Covid-19?
I would like to share a feel-good story of the newly added chair exercise class and how this class, along with our many other virtual offerings, is helping re-connect older people in a new and innovative way.
Madeline Shaw Moran, a long-time CoA instructor, focuses on joint and muscle strengthening, stretching, and balance. She is always fun, upbeat and a great fit for our groups.
In October Madeline and I discussed the possibility of offering her chair exercise class again virtually, as our other on-line classes have been very popular since the center closed in the spring. Leading a virtual class from home has been new to many of our instructors and volunteers and we are very fortunate each one has been willing to learn new technologies and has found a suitable place in their own homes to hold weekly classes.
After advertising in our monthly COA Connections newsletter, we were pleased to see emails coming in immediately to sign up for class. Eleven people were welcomed to the first virtual chair exercise class and it was truly wonderful to see everyone greet each other again and enjoy their time together.
Exercise classes are a great way to stay active while at home. Chair exercise is a good start and a safe way to get back into exercise. It is also a great way to reconnect with friends and make new connections.
Our instructors, as well as the COA staff, have certainly missed seeing everyone in person. However our 15 + virtual programs every week have made it possible for us to see each other again and continue to do the programs we used to do together.
After Maddy’s class attendees and families emailed us to let us know how much they enjoyed exercising again. Maddy also connected afterward and expressed her joy in seeing everyone and teaching the class again. I am so very proud of our attendees and instructors for their ability to try something new, work outside the box, and come together.
Our classes and programs have always offered so much more than an exercise class or a current events group. Now virtually we are able to bring people together, engage, socialize, and do something enjoyable together!
If you are 60 or older and interested in joining our virtual programs please email us at [email protected] with the title of the class in the subject line. We will register you for the virtual class and send the link to you.
All classes are at no cost thanks to the FBCOA’s support for free exercise classes at this time.
https://www.bedfordma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif2781/f/uploads/november_2020_newsletter.pdf
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