Prince George, BC- This fall an innovative program that motivates seniors to get up, get out, and get active is coming to the YMCA of Northern BC and it will be free to join. Choose to Moveis a six-month program based on scientific research that motivates and supports individuals 65 or older to get moving and meet new people in the community.
Based on research from University of British Columbia’s Active Aging Research Team, Choose to Move is designed to help seniors to set and meet their physical activity goals. The researchers behind the program observed that while most British Columbian seniors were struggling to meet the recommended amount of weekly physical activity, few programs were actually helping in a sustainable way. “One reason why this program seems to work is that it is choice-based. This means that participants set goals and choose activities that are of interest to them to help them achieve their goals,” explained Christa Hoy, one of the researchers. “With the support of their activity coach and peers, participants add more physical activity into their daily lives, which makes it easier to continue being active once the program is finished” Hoy added.
Choose to Move is designed for people who are not currently active but want get moving. Participants work one-on-one with an activity coach to develop a personal plan that fits with their preferences and lifestyle. For the first three months, participants meet with their activity coach for guidance, and will connect at least once a month with their peers and coach for support.
Choose to Move Coordinator, Lisa Neukomm says, “Choose To Move is a program that supports participants to find their own path by keeping them informed and engaged in a social and fun environment. As a group we find activities to meet the participants interests that they will enjoy and be able to commit to, which will improve their long- term daily living and overall health”
Choose to Move is offered through the BC Recreation and Parks Association and the YMCA, with the support of UBC’s Active Aging Research Team led by Drs. Heather McKay and Joanie Sims-Gould. The researchers will monitor Choose to Move across the province and evaluate its impact on health, mobility, and social connectedness of older adults.
In fact, early evaluation of Choose to Move revealed that many participants echoed Hoy’s words, “Choose to Move has been beneficial for me, particularly because of its flexibility. My activity levels have increased and my days are busier. I love that. I have more choices so I am choosing to move,” said a past participant.
The motivation that comes from support is also central to the success of Choose to Move. Marnie, a participant in Kamloops, explained that Choose to Move has, “motivated [her] to get up and do something…almost every day,” She added that, through the program, she has now has a group who help to motivate each other to continue to stick to their physical activity goals.
So far, Choose to Move has run in 28 communities across British Columbia. It is available at The YMCA of Northern BC beginning with an information session on September 24th. To register, visit nbc.ymca.ca, or call 778-281-0694
Contact Information
Lisa Neukomm
Choosetomove@nbc.ymca.ca
778-281-0694
About Choose to Move
Choose to Move is free and flexible 6-month program that provides older adults with the motivation and support to become more active. Choose to Move can help participants to integrate activity into daily routine, meet new friends, and make a positive change. Participants receive both individual and group support to develop and stick to a personal activity plan that includes activities they enjoy and are able to do. Choose to Move is great for anyone age 65 and older that wants to become active. To learn more visit www.choosetomove.info.
The YMCA of Northern BC
Rooted in Northern BC for over 50 years, The YMCA of Northern BC is a charity of over 400 staff and volunteers working together to strengthen the foundations of our community through promoting healthy living, fostering belonging, inclusion, and connection and helping, children, families, and seniors thrive. We offer children, teens, young adults, families, and seniors the opportunity for personal growth and create social change through child care services, camp programs, community health services, employment services, recreation and health and fitness services. We are part of an international and national organization that has brought lasting social change for over 130 years; we’ve cared for children, shaped leaders for tomorrow and helped generations of people come together to find support, get healthier and make friends for life. We are determined to be a genuine, welcoming, hopeful place that is nurturing and fun where no one has turned away and everyone belongs.
We believe the future that we will create is vibrant and healthy communities in Northern BC because children, families, and seniors belong, grow, thrive and lead. We take a holistic approach to community health that embodies all aspects of physical, mental and social well-being to support people to live healthier, happier lives. We engage with the community to provide customized programs that support local needs.
