Globe-trotter heads back to exercise classes
Helen Malins is tickled pink at the thought of going back to exercise therapy classes at the Hawthorn AgeWell Centre’s seniors gym now that restrictions are lifting.
Last year, the feisty 80-year-old went on a music and jazz cruise to Noumea, visited the Galapagos Islands and spent five weeks in South America exploring Peru, Argentina and Ecuador, including going in a boat up the Amazon and sleeping in a hut in the jungle.
When AgeWell Centres closed during COVID-19, Helen missed her Allied Health Monday gym sessions, Pilates on Wednesday and Osteo-strengthening classes on Friday, and struggled to keep fit.
“I hate walking for exercise,” she explains. “I don’t drive anymore, and the only time I walk is to get to places like the shops, restaurants and the pub!”
And Helen says she needs to work off all the slap-up meals she’s enjoyed over the past few days: two meals with two separate groups of friends at restaurants to celebrate her birthday and a “picnic in the park to celebrate Trump losing the election!”
From Monday, November 16 the Hawthorn, Noble Park and Forest Hill AgeWell Centres reopened for five, 30-minute one-on-one outdoor therapy sessions a day, led by the centre physiotherapist or exercise physiologist – There will be a a half hour break between sessions to ensure equipment is thoroughly cleaned ready for the next client.
Northcote and Oakleigh AgeWell Centres followed suit the week of November 23.
Paul Warwick, Regional Manager AgeWell Centres, says the situation is being carefully monitored, and will, over time, increase to two clients per session and then gradually increase numbers and move the classes indoors.
However, Paul warns this will be subject to stringent protocols and reliant on government guidelines and COVID-19 case numbers in the community.
Clients will be assessed on their needs, strengths and a range of criteria, and will be contacted and invited by staff to attend the sessions.
And Helen is hoping she gets her call up soon!
“I fractured a disc in my back when I holidayed with a friend in South Australia last Christmas. And I know if I hadn’t been as strong as I was through all those exercise classes at the AgeWell Centre, I would have fractured my hip for sure!” she says.
The retired primary school teacher, who has travelled to most countries including Russia and Africa, wants to limber up again so she can get into peak fitness to travel.
“I rent out a room in my home to a student, I have no obligations or ties, and I’m ready to go on holiday again,” she says. “Bring it on!”
For enquiries about Uniting AgeWell AgeWell centres, home care services, residential care and respite stays please phone 1300 783 435.
