Young-at-heart seniors enjoy fitness-and-wellness camp

More than 30 seniors from across the Cayman Islands have been embracing their inner youth and staying active this summer at a week-long ‘Fitness and More’ camp at the Intergenerational Hub.

Offered through the Department of Sports, in partnership with Caribbean Utilities Company, the camp engages seniors in a variety of physical and mindfulness activities.

Merta Day, sports coordinator for women and wellness programmes, said it’s important as the population ages, to find ways to keep them engaged – both physically and mentally.

“Our seniors are living longer, and we need to take care of our people. They are the people who lead the way and paved the way for us, and they still have a lot to contribute, and we just need to shift our focus to suit what’s needed to keep them healthier and live longer lives,” Day said.

“They’re trying new things, meeting new friends, and oftentimes seniors get lonely, and I think this is a good way for them to engage with people of the same age group. They can learn from each other, and it’s a wonderful way for them socialise,” she added.

Day hopes to continue as well as expand the programme.

Camp participant Mavis Grant said age is no barrier to staying fit and having fun.

“If I don’t keep moving, I’ll go down. It’s important for me. I’m enjoying this so much and would encourage all seniors to get into something like this,” she said.

Richard Hew, president and CEO of CUC, said “the initiative promotes inclusion for the older generation who are retired, maybe not in the day-to-day busy world, not as engaged, and we just want to ensure that they are not forgotten”.

While the utilities company is known for its involvement in youth initiatives, Hew said the new seniors’ programme is very important.

“We have a lot of aging Caymanians and it’s a pleasure to come and meet them. I think it’s important that we look at [this] holistically, and make sure that all ages, all genders are getting the enjoyment and benefit of the community, and in a small way we can give back to the community.”