Summary of what people told us... |
- Minds In Motion group, Gordon Head Recreation Centre
July 18th, 2016
Most participants enter the Minds In Motion (MIM) program through the Alzheimer’s Society, rather than through the recreation centres entry point. Some were familiar with the other programs and services available through Saanich Parks and Recreation.
14 participants, caregivers, 3 volunteers
Q: What do you like the most about Saanich Parks and Recreation? (art, music, dance, trails, centres)- Only facility we use is this one at Gordon Head Rec Centre
- We have a fitness centre at home which we use. Rec Centre fitness rooms are pretty sophisticated and packed with people. Too hard to get in to and intimidating (Saanich Commonwealth Place). Perhaps a quiet time for seniors, people with physical disabilities.
- Expand this idea to a quiet time during the day time (incl. summer) in pool as well where there are no toddlers or children. Need a quiet adult only time as those with mobility concerns or disabilities are often concerned about safety, thrown balls, or children running into them. Suitable for people with cognitive disabilities, autism, etc. Could the whirl pool jets be turned off for an hour?
- Our dance needs are met through the Legion and a club we attend.
- MIM is very close to our home. We easily walk or drive here. Others are dropped off by their daughter or daughter-in-law.
- MIM start time at 10:00am is great and gets us moving.
- Very happy with MIM. The social part is amazing. Nice to meet new friends.
- Participate in Strength Training for Seniors at Oak Bay Rec (Henderson Ctre) The class is small almost one-on-one (4-6 in class). They were referred to the class from the Jubilee Hospital Geriatric Out patient. Physio appointments are used up and are to expensive to do privately.
- Tried the Minds In Motion at Oak Bay but was too high functioning
- PARKS
- Go for long walks in Gordon Head area
- Like to have flat surfaces instead of uneven roots. This lady tripped and fell on roots. It helps when roots are painted.
- We live close by and walk the trails regularly. Suggest evening lights in Blair Park so young people can play basketball.
- We live near McMinn Park and walk the trails regularly.
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Q: What are some of the challenges or barriers seniors face in accessing … programs? … parks? - We lack a Theatre in Saanich, like the Mary Winspear in Sidney. Seniors wish to drive less.
- The challenge is to keep moving! Its too easy to sit at home and watch TV for many hours without even getting up. We have to challenge ourselves to get up, move around, and get out of house.
- Our challenge is … we are getting older! That is a challenge within itself. Its not for wimps.
- Our health becomes a barrier. I used to do lots of different things but I can’t anymore
- My walker gets in the way and is hard to maneuver around things.
- Would like to have the Cedar Hill Golf Restaurant open again. Two participants were regular users – one every Saturday morning with friends, other as a couple.
- Keep on Moving! More education for older adults on the benefits of moving. “Sitting is the new smoking”. Sit for an hour then get up and move.
- Perhaps a new Special Network for Seniors – daily mental exercises, on internet etc. to suggest activities to do to keep mind and body moving.
- TRAILS
- I used to walk in parks/trails but now cannot do this on my own and my friends have passed away. IDEA: Perhaps a walking buddy would help.
- Would be nice to have “walking” side and “bike” side on the trail
- TRANSPORTATION
- Transportation – would be good to have the public bus (smaller) drop off at recreation centre doors, similar to what Handi-dart does at GHRC.
- Handi-dart is so hard to book.
- Getting to the program can be a barrier
- As population ages, Saanich may need to provide more disabled parking spots close to entrances (do better than what the building code requires).
- Consider valet-style parking
- Pool is quite noisy when kids are in there. Only time for adults and no kids is late at night when we don’t want to go. IDEA: offer a quiet time in the pool during the day – no kids in tot pool.
- Commonwealth Pool is bigger but seems quieter because you can’t hear all the kids.
- I used to swim at GHRC for 15 years but now it is too loud and too hard for me to participate.
- Need a bigger skateboard park in Saanich, like the one in VicWest. It has Lawn bowling beside – possible intergenerational programs. Also needs benches to sit on to watch grandkids. Shade is also important.
- MARKETING
- Not knowing about the programs. We are more inclined to sign up if we read about the program in the paper. It helps if it arrives at our doorstep (Times Colonist).
- Still like to have a newspaper to read and circle things of interest – Our kids (35’s-50 years) are on the computer
- Go to Henderson Centre (Oak Bay) because I read it in their guide.
- Q: At what age do you consider someone to be an older adult?
- Consensus was 80 years of age
- I think there should be different tiers of age within programs/services
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Q: Is there anything that would make the program more successful? - No suggestions. Very happy with MIM.