Seniors make fitness fun in West Kelowna

One hundred seniors have signed up for an exercise and education program in West Kelowna.

The Walk n’ Talk program has three components.

A half-hour exercise class is followed by a half-hour walk and rounded out with a guest speaker on topics of interest to seniors.

“It keeps people on their feet, it keeps people living independently and it keeps them happy and healthy,” said Walk n’ Talk Facilitator Marcella Percy.

“We do a lot of strength training, cardio, things for memory and endurance,” fitness instructor Darla-Rae Janic said.

The program began as a research project with UBC in 2014.

It studied what could be done to better prevent falls, alleviate social isolation and promote healthy lifestyles for seniors.

“I really like it, it keeps you moving and you feel much better,” said 87-year-old Kurt Fahrun.

The program is now run by the Westside Health Network Society and is funded by the United Way of the Lower Mainland and the Central Okanagan Foundation with support from the Westbank Lions Hall.

Finding a continued source of funding is one of the main goals of the society.

“It’s such a popular, healthy activity,”  said society executive director Sonia Newman.  “Mentally, physically, all around it’s fantastic.”

For more information about the program, which is free to seniors, go to the Westside Health Network Society webpage.