Gerontology students joined seniors in flexing their muscles for healthy aging.
On February 8, a class of almost 40 students–who are all international students trained as nurses in their home countries–participated in a virtual class aimed at helping isolated seniors stay active during the pandemic. The Joy of Movement class, hosted by Art Your Service, was held on February 8 via Zoom.
“I’m delighted to share Art Your Service’s virtual program expertise with the students so they can carry on with the knowledge learned and, in turn, make other seniors happy and fit,” said Tindall.
Led by Professor Courtney Evers, students participated in the virtual fitness class as part of their Healthy Aging in the Community course, which aims to introduce them to healthy aging in Canada.
“Participating in the online fitness class was a wonderful way for students to see active older adults, virtually,” said Evers. “I like to have experiential components for students to engage in aspects of healthy aging and physical activity for older adults.”
Evers noted that, prior to the pandemic, she would take students on field trips to introduce them to healthy aging in the community and opportunities for physical activities for local adults. When the course transitioned to online learning during the pandemic, faculty explored new ways for students to gain the experience. Recreation Therapy professor Christine Wilkinson, who taught the course during the Spring 2021 term, made a connection with Jen Tindall, who launched Art Your Service during the pandemic to help seniors stay active.
“Taking part in the virtual Art Your Service class was definitely a highlight for the students, and the seniors certainly seemed to enjoy having the younger international student participants,” said Wilkinson.
Following the virtual fitness class, the students met via Blackboard Collaborate. In groups, they spoke about what they learned and what may have surprised them about the experience.
In a breakout group, students Alpha Joanna Canlas, Anna Rose Geronimo, Rajbir Kaur, Inderpreet Kaur and Simarjeet Kaur discussed how exercise benefits seniors in numerous ways, by reducing stress and enhancing their confidence. The experience also helped them break down some of their preconceived ideas about seniors and aging.
“We can’t judge what older people can and cannot do. Age is just a number,” they said.
