Enhancing seniors’ lives, one bike ride at a time
Bruyère Continuing Care proudly launched this summer one of the very few Cycling Without Age programs in Canada and is the first in an Ontario health care organization. A few weeks after its official launch, the program already has a waiting list of residents wanting to go out for a ride in the community. Over 60 residents from SaintLouis Residence and the Bruyère Village have had the chance to go for a ride.
Cycling Without Age is an innovative program designed to enhance seniors’ lives by providing them with an opportunity to stay connected and active in their community. “We’re so happy to be able to give our residents the opportunity to experience nature and our beautiful city on a bicycle,” says Karen Lemaire, director of Therapeutic Support Services at Bruyère. “And it’s also a great opportunity for people in our community who love to bike and want to share that passion with others.”
The program starts with a simple act of generosity: taking one or two seniors out on a bike ride.
“This bike gives opportunities to people with limited mobility the chance to get outside and feel the wind in their hair. It also provides a great opportunity for community participation and models healthy aging.” said the Hon. Marie-France Lalonde, MPP (Ottawa- Orléans).
Many seniors living in longterm care or retirement homes no longer have the physical ability to jump on a bicycle and take a ride down memory lane. This is how Cycling Without Age’s mission was born — to give older adults the opportunity to reminisce and share their stories.
The Bruyère Foundation is proud to accept donations to support innovative projects such as this one.