Have you exercised today? As deep winter sets in, many people reduce their physical activity due to the cold, which can negatively impact their health. However, Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC) is going against the trend by encouraging seniors to exercise through various means, helping them stay active and healthy.
Every morning, the CWCC community hubs are filled with seniors' invigorating chants and laughter, symbolising their enthusiasm for exercise. From gentle exercise to Tai Chi, group dancing to slow walking, seniors at CWCC have plenty of opportunities to stay active. Even those who lack motivation at home find themselves joining in the exercise sessions, thanks to the vibrant atmosphere, companionship of friends, and guidance from professional trainers.
CWCC pays special attention to seniors who do not have a regular exercise routine. Scientific research shows that even going from no physical activity to participating in a sport can significantly improve seniors' health. Simple actions like "walking instead of taking public transport" can greatly benefit the body. Therefore, CWCC creates numerous opportunities for seniors to get involved in physical activities.
For instance, after every lunch, CWCC staff encourage seniors to take a 10-20 minute post-meal walk to stretch and move. They emphasise the importance of physical activity for seniors, organising interactive and fun exercise sessions like physical activities and dancing. They also arrange outdoor group activities like hiking to provide physical benefits and opportunities for social interaction, helping seniors build and maintain social connections and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Exercise sessions led by Esther, a former physiotherapist and CWCC volunteer, are especially popular. Under her guidance, seniors always have smiles on their faces. Esther believes that exercise should involve sweating and, more importantly, enjoying the process. This makes the exercise truly effective as a way to relieve stress.
To help seniors develop consistent exercise habits, CWCC also posts educational videos for home workouts on their YouTube channel. This ensures that even seniors who cannot attend the hub activities can still receive professional guidance. Through comprehensive support, CWCC is dedicated to helping every senior participate in exercise and enjoy a healthy life.
