International Gerontology students had an opportunity to see active seniors in action at the Niagara Centre YMCA in Welland.
The students – who are all in the first term of the program – visited the Welland YMCA on March 16 as part of a field trip organized by Courtney Evers, professor, School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker and coordinator, Graduate Certificate programs.
While the students are trained nurses in their home countries (India and the Philippines), they enrolled at Niagara College for a specialty certificate in gerontology. One of their courses, taught by Evers, is Healthy Aging in the Community – which focuses on health promotion, home safety, age-friendly communities and the benefits of an active lifestyle for seniors.
Students toured the YMCA, learned about programs offered to seniors, tried out the equipment, and observed older adults engaged in fitness programs including Aquafit. They were welcomed by YMCA program coordinators Alicia Marconi and Larry Coplen – also NC graduates -who led them on a tour of the facility.
– Submitted by Courtney Evers, professor, School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker and coordinator of Graduate Certificate programs
