At the end of a week, in commemoration of International Day of Older Persons, there was an activity filled day at the Melford Hazel Sports Facility for elderly persons.
About 60 plus persons in their golden years participated in the dayâ??s activities, "meant to get their blood moving and their heart pumping," according to Head of the Sports Department, Les Brown.
There was also a "mini expo" with all sorts of products for the elderly, from soft comfortable shoes to other house hold equipment meant to assist elderly persons in their daily living.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams was also present to give a welcome and to join in the activities.
"Let us be grateful and thankful and recognize the fact that we are here and able to move. By being here alone, you have moved," Commissioner Wescot-Williams said.
"It is good for us to come together not only in activity but also in friendshipâ??this is what these activities do. I want to thank you for coming out, and also to thank the organizations who have over the years, and especially today, contributed to the wellbeing of our golden age citizens: The Golden Age Foundation, Helping Hands, St. Maarten Home, District nursing, Home Away from Home, and other organizations that assist the elderly.
"One person even made the comment," Commissioner said, "that I(meaning the commissioner herself) fit in here, as in you are young as I feel," an elderly person told her.
After the short welcome, the commissioner joined the golden age group and other volunteers in exercising.
The 60 plus group began with warm up exercises with Mr. Brown, a fitness and exercise coach, sitting and then standing, using their arms. Later they would go into something a little more active like musical chairs, hula hoop, Congo line, and other activities meant to circulate the blood and make the heart work. Brown said that these activities are socially and culturally stimulating, as well, Brown said it also arouses the mind.
He said that the children and grandchildren of elderly have to get more involved in their lives; it has to be a daily thing. It is important to go out with your elders in your family, from going to see a movie to engaging in some sort of exercise.
