Seniors provide inspiration with every step!
Researchers have emphasized the need to stay active for years, but with age comes fatigue, loss of stamina and — for some — the physical inability to compete. These obstacles have since been pushed to the wayside as a new trend emerges within the racing community; a virtual 5K. A virtual race provides participants with the opportunity to race at their own pace, on their own schedule and by participating in the activity of their choice, including: walking, running, biking, swimming, or any other activity that gets them moving.
“Hearts in Motion allows us to reach participants that might not participate in traditional runs,” said Lindsay Firestone, manager of special events and community engagement with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation. “That flexibility means more people can get involved.”
For the second year in a row, Riverstone Retirement Communities has partnered with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute’s Heart in Motion Virtual Event. The virtual event encourages participants to improve their heart health by getting active and tracking their activity throughout the month of June while also raising critical funds for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
This year’s virtual event saw 33 Riverstone residents, most of whom were over the age of 80, moving all month long, to a total of 422.20 kilometres. “Our residents well exceeded the five kilometre requirement set by the Heart Institute. and it has definitely become an activity that they look forward to being a part of each year.” said Mike Traub, vice-president at Riverstone Retirement Communities.
Participants were awarded a Hearts in Motion completion medal by Jim Orban, president and CEO of the Heart Institute Foundation, at a ceremony held Aug. 21 at Stirling Park Retirement Community at 310 Titan Pvt. “It is wonderful to see the residents participating, staying active and encouraging one another,” said Firestone. “This is such an inspiring group of individuals coming together to support the Heart Institute. The inclusion and support for this event was nothing short of remarkable.”
To date, the 2017 Hearts in Motion Virtual Event has raised over $56,000, which will be used to support the purchase of highly specialized cardiac equipment and allow the Heart Institute to conduct vital research, sustain education and prevention programs, and provide world-class patient care.
It is wonderful to see the residents participating, staying active and encouraging one another.