It’s not a sport that’s often associated with nursing homes, but boxing is becoming increasingly popular for a number of people living in long-term care in the Saint John area.
At the KV Golden Gloves Amateur Boxing Club in Quispamsis, N.B., a group of residents from the Kings Way Care Centre and Kennebec Manor have been working out for a number of weeks.
Among them is Rita Hale, a retired schoolteacher who just turned 92. She says she feels no signs of slowing down.
“I didn’t realize at the time that it was going to be this,” said Hale. “They just asked me would I come out and do some. I said, ‘Yeah, I’m not doing anything.'”
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It’s clear that the program has been well-received.
“It’s a great program,” said George Polley. “It gets them out, using muscles that you haven’t used in a long while.”
Gord Hills has multiple sclerosis, which has kept him confined to a wheelchair for about 20 years.
“It’s the only time lately that I’ve been able to work up a little bit of sweat actually,” explained Hills.
Tim Hayes owns the boxing facility and says hearing and reading about the benefits of boxing to things like Parkinson’s disease has inspired him to take it to another level.
“There’s actually certifications and training that’s becoming available, so that’s definitely something we want to look at for coaches because this program has been such a success,” Hayes said.
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On top of all the other advantages, it’s a wonderful outlet for people suffering from dementia.
“They may not remember this experience two hours from now, but they’re having fun and laughing in this moment, and so that good feeling carries on with them the rest of their day,” said Megan O’Hara of the Kings Way Life Care Alliance
And while everyone still has their gloves on, Hale keeps everyone on their toes.
“Rita packs a very tremendous punch,” said Hills.
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