Seniors kick off active program

IT was a perfect sunny day last Wednesday for a bit of tai chi at the launch of Goldfields Library’s Get Moving program at Kangaroo Flat library.

With funding from the City of Greater Bendigo, people over 60 have access to a free eight-week program involving tai chi, yoga, dance and even hula hooping.

Get Moving program coordinator Shae Hellstedt said the activities are all about having fun with exercise.

“All the sessions that we have planned are all specifically targeted for older adults and their needs and capabilities,” she said.

The activities will take place across Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat libraries and Ms Hellstedt said the fully booked tai chi at Kangaroo Flat is a good sign.

“They’re all things that can be enjoyed by all abilities, you can take it to whatever level you feel comfortable with, and they’re fun, so we wanted to make sure it was for fun and for fitness,” she said.

“We all know that moving allows you to age more healthily in many cases and I think our libraries are really welcoming and comfortable.

“For a lot of people if they’re trying something for the first time it’s a great space to be able to do that in.”

The program also aims to provide a different way to exercise for seniors, opening the door to many activities people may not have tried before.

“We put together information packs because an important role of the library is to be able to gather and provide information,” Ms Hellstedt said.

“There’s so many good services and activities that are happening in Bendigo already, so we just gathered up that information and put it together with a few little treats and put them in bags.

“Hopefully people might come across something that they didn’t know about or want to give a try.”

Booking are available via goldfieldslibraries.com.au or by calling Bendigo Library on 5449 2700 or Kangaroo Flat Library on 5447 8344.