Splish, splash, these seniors are having a laugh! Meet the aquafit class that's one big swim family
CBC
It isn't just a physical workout that happens in the pool at the Ches Penny YMCA in St. John's — it's also one for the mind and soul. Along with the splashing, you'll hear jokes, laughter and heart-to-hearts among members of the senior aquafit class.
"We're one big family in that pool," said 82-year-old Barbara Ellis, the class instructor.
Ellis is a volunteer teacher for two aquafit classes at the YMCA. The morning one sees mostly senior participants, though any age can participate. The evening class draws a much younger demographic.
"For me, working with seniors is a lot more fun. They are more receptive to a joke and have fun while they work," said Ellis.
And Ellis makes them work. Her resumé is quite impressive itself. She's a retired physiotherapist, has volunteered with the YMCA for 10 years and recently was one of seven recipients of the Seniors Distinction Award from the Newfoundland and Labrador government.
Vera-Lynn Penney, 68, is relatively new to the YMCA, joining in October 2021 after having both knees replaced.
"I find the class very rewarding and my fellow members very sociable, friendly and very comical at times, which makes for a lighthearted 45 minutes of enjoyment and camaraderie, all the while doing something good for my overall physical well-being," said Penney.
Karen Walsh retired six years ago and joined the aquatic programs at the YMCA to help with arthritis in her knees and lower back.
But the 62-year-old says it does more than just her body good.
"The participants are fun, caring, and interesting. There is a wide range of backgrounds, educational and work experiences," said Walsh.
"If you have a bad day people care and help to lift you up. I find when people ask how you are, they ask because they care."
Carol Boland stumbled onto the popular class, thanks to the Paul Reynolds Centre pool in St. John's being closed for repairs. Her granddaughter suggested she give the YMCA a try, and she has stuck with it since.
"It's great to get out of the house and get some social interaction along with exercise," said Boland, 72, who used to work as a human resources officer at Memorial University.
"We often chat to whoever is next to us in the pool or the dressing room. We have a few people in the group that are very outgoing and funny. I'm a shy person but I really enjoy them."
P.E.I.'s Public Schools Branch is looking for 50 substitute bus drivers, and it'll be recruiting at three job fairs on Saturday, June 8. The job fairs are located at the Atlantic Superstore in Montague, Royalty Crossing in Charlottetown, and the bus parking lot of Three Oaks Senior High in Summerside. All three run from 9 a.m. until noon. Dave Gillis, the director of transportation and risk management for the Public Schools Branch, said the number of substitute drivers they're hiring isn't unusual. "We are always looking for more. Our drivers tend to have an older demographic," he said.