Summary of what people told us... |
- June 21, 2016 – Minds In Motion group, Pearkes Recreation Centre
Group of people consisting of caregivers and clients for the Minds In Motion Program. This program is offered in partnership with the Alzheimers Society. It includes a mild fitness class followed by a social time for everyone. Light refreshments and games.
Many participants had entered the Minds In Motion program through the Alzheimer’s Society, rather than through the recreation centres entry point. Therefore, many were not familiar with the range of programs and services available through Saanich Parks and Recreation.
21 participants, caregivers and two volunteers
Common themes:
Accessibility in Pearkes (elevator)
Social time is important, interactions with others
Main other activities are walking and attending events
Awareness of other programs is a problem
Q: What is working well for older adults in …. Recreation centres…. Parks … arts and culture (within Saanich)?- MIM Coffee is good; cookies too (x 8)
- MIM Social time to get together as a group, talk, meet new friends, many commonalities
- MIM likes that the program is regular (not cancelled) and runs through the summer
- MIM likes the once/week
- MIM is a highlight of the week; the exercising, the people, meeting new friends, a network
- MIM How is your transportation needs met to get to facilities? All Ok. Partner drives. Parking is good. Pearkes is convenient
- MIM could another be added at Saanich Commonwealth Place? X2
- Like low-moderate impact fitness classes
- Aqua fit (x 3)
- The Seniors Outreach program in Cranbrook connected us to community services
- Gentle yoga for seniors
- Like to walk with our dog to Marigold Park every day, as its close by, dog has ‘play dates’ with friends, and like the trees and paths
- We walk to stores, barber shop, thrift shops
- Love Gorge Park with its even flat pathways and its on the water
- People are friendly
- Program is offered year round
- Social part is important, if not more important than the fitness
- Good to work on fall prevention
- Q: What could Saanich do to improve programs for older adults?
- Cardio programs for older adults – low, low impact
- Different levels of aquafit X 2
- Nutrition courses – as you age – what do you need to know (x 5)
- Like the Brain Booster course Saanich runs (once/year)
- Suggest we look at ‘Adult-minding’ similar to ‘Child-minding’ at Saanich Commonwealth Place (x 2). Coffee, talk and social time for one, while the partner does fitness
- Suggestion: would like to have air conditioning in the fitness room at SCP
- Very ‘gentle’ martial arts program, chair yoga, chair tai chi
- More gentle programs; stretch and low impact
- Computer fraud classes
- Walking clubs
- Lots of traffic in front
- Would be nice to have a courtyard with plants by entrance, for sitting
- Program where you learn skills you can use at home
- End of year picnic was nice but it has been discontinued (due to lack of funding)
- Art therapy – sing a longs, art based activities
- Singing re-energizes some of the participants, lightens them
- Would like to play billiards, learn to play
- Important to do things that make you laugh
- Interaction is important
- PARKS: Accessibility is a problem in parks if walking is a challenge. Music In The Park – hard to access if walking is a problem.
- Would like MIM 2 times a week at one location
- More people need to be aware of programs
-
Q: What arts, music or culture do you participate in? - Singing
- Music in the Parks in Saanich (also love one at Lieutenant Governor’s House) X3
- Like the fun, food, sunshine, light music, dancing, kids, all age groups
- Would be nice if Saanich could advertise the different bands at MITP
Q: What are ways to make parks and recreation more welcoming?- Pearkes staff are welcoming and helpful
- All good staff at the rec centres
- Drop off Active Living Guides at grocery stores
- The stairs at Pearkes are hard for some of us
- A new elevator is needed!!! Better elevator in Pearkes – “it’s a mystery”
- Better signage for elevator
- Q: What are some barriers seniors face when accessing recreation and parks?
- Caregivers not having enough time for themselves. Fatigue.
- Not knowing what is available or offered. Very few MIM participants knew about the Active Living Guide
- Like bargains, garage sales and thrift stores – as hobbies
-
Q Where do you look for information on programs and services? - In the paper
- Word of mouth
- Suggestion: have a bulletin board in each centre with just Seniors information