Hāwera exercise group building friendships and muscles
Friendship and camaraderie are the secret ingredients in Taranaki’s most successful exercise class for senior citizens.
Hāwera’s weekly Steady As You Go (SAYGO) sessions organised by Age Concern Taranaki involve one of 14 groups around the region, and the largest.
Yesterday’s session was followed by a morning tea and a birthday cake to celebrate the seven years it has been running successfully, despite interruptions during the Covid pandemic.
“We started with six people. At the moment, we have 80 people registered, and today there are 54 here, even with this wet weather,” service co-ordinator Estelle Barnes said.
“Between 2022 and 2023, we grew by 30%.”
It’s so successful that a new co-ordinator has recently been employed to support Barnes with hosting the SAYGO sessions and the other activities she organises in South Taranaki.
“We are all in full agreement that come rain or sunshine, these classes are aimed at improving our baseline levels of fitness, but it is far more than that. It is about people coming together, socialising and gaining new friends,” Barnes said.
The exercises build strength to keep people steady on their feet, helping to prevent falls. “Some of the exercises also train your peripheral vision, which is important for retaining your driver’s licence,“Barnes said.
Jenny Nager, a part of the group from day one, said some people had joined after being referred there by their doctor or physiotherapist.
“It’s the companionship as much as anything for me, and I enjoy doing the exercises,” she said.
Age Concern Taranaki executive officer Richard Anderson said the groups helped to fight loneliness as well as frailty.
“I believe we are saving the country millions by helping people maintain their health and their independence.”
South Taranaki mayor Phil Nixon said the area had many older people living alone, and being able to socialise and exercise was vital for their wellbeing.
Participants Judy Stockwell and Diana Cox described themselves as acquaintances before they started coming to the group two or three years ago, but they were now firm friends.
David Lloyd is one of about 10 men who are part of the group.
“It’s marvellous. I always feel better afterwards,” he said, tucking into a slice of the celebratory cake.