We all know how important physical activity is for our overall health and wellness; we've had that message indoctrinated into us since we were all in grade school. But in my role as the organizer of activities, programs and outings at Chartwell Hampton House, I've come to realize there are some especially unique benefits of leading an active and engaged lifestyle for seniors. Most of these are obvious—heart health, keeping limber in order to maintain good mobility and prolong independence, andeven helping to manage or delay many age-related diseases—but did you know that exercise can alsopositively impact a senior’s emotional, social and mental health?

At Chartwell, we believe that leading an active lifestyle is very important to the well-being of our residents, which is why we created what we call our“LiveNow” lifestyle programming该课程包含了涉及身体、思想和精神的课程和活动。有一个项目在我们家里特别受欢迎，有助于老年人积极的生活方式，那就是Rhythm ' n ' Moves，这是一个非正式的课程，将互动音乐与有趣的锻炼动作结合在一起。

When some of my residents hear Rhythm ‘n’ Moves is a physical fitness program, they assume the activity is beyond their abilities, but that’s the beauty of the class—it’s suited for seniors of all fitness and mobility levels! Completed from the comfort of a chair, Rhythm ‘n’ Moves is essentially a workout set to upbeat music. The first word that comes to mind when I think of it isfun. In my retirement residence, I get a group together and choreograph dance moves that get everyone’s hearts pumping and cheeks hurting from contagious laughter. When I first invite a resident to join the program, they may feel hesitant, unsure of what to expect, but once they see how much fun can be had, and how nonjudgmental the atmosphere is, they’re sold! Today, I have anywhere from 20-25 participants each week, and we’ve memorized so many choreographed songs that we even perform them at various venues in our local community.

Rhythm ' n ' Moves很棒的地方在于，居民们不仅每周都能得到很好的锻炼，这个课程还把我们的退休社区团结起来——外向的人与害羞的人，经验丰富的舞者与完全的初学者——我们在一起度过了美好的时光。这是一个结交朋友的地方，是一个社交和减压的机会，甚至是一个在为他人表演时发光的机会。

Here’s what some of my residents had to say when I asked them why they decided to participate in the class:

“I want to live well, and it’s important to me to keep active. I don’t know what I’d do without the program.”– Velma

“Exercise helps keep me feeling bright and healthy.”– Sheila

“I want to keep active, and the classes give me an opportunity to make friends. I’m sure I’ve made most of my friends here during water breaks.”– Lois

In addition to Rhythm ‘n’ Moves, many of my residents also take advantage of on-site fitness facilities, daily exercise, dance classes, and even a walking club once a week. I encourage them to get involved in an activity they enjoy—whether it’s exercise related or not—as active living opportunities not only help them feel a part of their retirement community, but help them to live life to the fullest.

To learn more about our Rhythm ‘n’ Moves exercise class,click here.

Want to know what other activities, classes and outings are offered at Chartwell retirement homes across Canada?Download a sample activity calendar.