Dance aerobics classes introduced at Palms Geriatric Home

Residents of the Palms Geriatric Home on Brickdam were on Friday engaged in dance aerobics classes which were organised to foster fitness and improve their general well-being.
The programme was held in collaboration with the Social Protection Ministry and Fitness Paradise Gym to encourage good physical health.
Social Services Department Deputy Director Abiki Samuels highlighted that the Ministry recognised the importance of physical activities in leading healthy lifestyles and as such, the seniors would benefit from these workout sessions.
Samuels stated, “As our loved ones become older, it always becomes a bit more difficult for them to keep up a healthy and active lifestyle. Their memory fails, they fall easily, and have difficulty working and maintaining their balance. There is a noticeable difference in their mental and physical wellbeing.
“Research has shown that through different types of physical exercise, dancing and aerobic training, both increases the area of the brain that declines with age. In comparison, it was only dancing that leads to a noticeable behavioural change in terms of improved balance and reduced risk of dementia,” she added.
It was also related that the staff of the Geriatric Home would be somewhat relieved, since the independence of the residents would increase if they continue their dance sessions. They would also be able to keep up with their daily routines more easily.
Throughout the programme, trainers will visit the centre to work with the residents

in various aspects of dance aerobics training where choreographed dance numbers would be produced by the dance instructors.
Meanwhile, an insight into the planned activities was given by the Manager of Fitness Paradise Gym, Dian Sinclair, who is also the mastermind behind the ideas for this project.
“What the dance classes are is an instructor will come to choreograph a dance session to suit your needs, because it’s important that the instructor reaches out to you and where you are at. [It] will not only help you physically to feel better, but will also help you mentally and emotionally.”
She noted that the senior citizens would be engaged in such activities at the gym and this initiative would now allow for them to reach a wider spectrum.
“What I have seen in those classes have motivated me to try to reach out to see institutions where we can give back to the people and somehow change their lives in some small way,” Sinclair said.
The seniors were encouraged to participate in these exercises every week which can improve cognitive and physical function.