Keeping active and socially connected through the Active Living program in Thorndale

A recent Ladies Coffee Hour, part of Thames Centre’s Active Living program for seniors, at the Thorndale Lions Community Centre.

By Nancy Abra

Not everyone can escape the cold, wintry weather and head for warmer temperatures, but the Active Living program at the Thorndale Lions Community Centre offers an array of activities to engage seniors with warm smiles, inspire their creativity and animate their physical health.

The Active Living program for seniors was expanded in Thorndale by the Municipality of Thames Centre when it was awarded a grant from the Province of Ontario last April. This program offers social, cultural learning and recreational activities for older adults to promote health, social connections and allow Thorndale area residents to be active.

There is something for everyone through this Active Living program during the week in Thorndale.

• Mondays: Strength and Tone class, yoga and the ever-popular pickleball game in the afternoon.

• Tuesdays: Pole walking, Kurling, shuffleboard and euchre.

• Wednesdays: Strength & Tone class and coffee hour for men and women who meet separately to enjoy lively conversation over a coffee and sweet treat.

• Thursdays: Crafts in the afternoon.

• Fridays: More physically active classes and Old Guys Poker in the afternoon.

Besides these different activities, there is also a movie afternoon and a couple of upcoming bus trips.

There is a small membership cost per person for the Active Living program.

“The purpose of the membership fee is to give folks a discount on all programs and bus trips, free newsletters (non-members pay $1 for newsletters) and the opportunity to receive the Friday News eblast,” said Karen Gress, who leads this program for Thames Centre.

“This email provides weekly updates about everything from programs, events, workshops and bus trips to information about new benefits for seniors from the government, things happening in the community and services (i.e. foot care, VON clinics etc.). There is no obligation to become a member, and new participants are welcome to try any of our classes and programs for free the first time before they decide if they would like to register for the program and/or take out a membership.”

For more information on the Active Living program for seniors in Thames Centre, check out www.thamescentre.on.ca/parks-recreation-and-community/active-living-centre/ or contact Karen Gress at kgress@thamescentre.on.ca or 519-268-7334 ext. 708.