Seniors move to the beats of Zumba Gold
With the support of a Red Cross program, seniors in Saint John, NB are keeping busy playing sports on the Wii, grooving to the Latin beats of Zumba and even getting therapeutic massages.
It all started when Dugna London and Debbie McLeod teamed up to help seniors living in subsidized housing. Dugna, an LPN by training and a Red Crosser at heart, is passionate about senior care and breaking down barriers.
She works in partnership with Debbie, the Community Involvement Coordinator at NB Housing and together they’ve introduced a group of seniors to
Zumba Gold (a modified version of the popular exercise program), friendly games of
Wii bowling, a “make your own sundae” party and education sessions on health-related topics.
An afternoon sundae party is great fun for residents
In her role at the Canadian Red Cross, Dugna is responsible for conducting annual home visits to ensure the health and safety of approximately 450 seniors. With Debbie’s support, she’s equally determined to improve their living environment and inject a little bit of fun into their lives as well.
“Not only do I want to help seniors remain independent, but I want to improve their quality of life by introducing activities that promote social interactions. It helps them get to know one another and feel safer in their building,” says Dugna.
She’s turned to community agencies and organizations to create a monthly calendar of interesting events and activities for tenants. She also makes referrals to other services for tenants who may be visually impaired, need home support, require massage therapy, oxygen therapy or some of the programs offered by Canadian Red Cross volunteers such as loans of health equipment, friendly visiting, transportation and telephone reassurance.
“The safety evaluation program and all that it includes is such a great way to empower a people, increase their independence and quality of life. It makes me very proud to be a part of it,” adds Dugna.