SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together)® PROGRAM FEATURED IN FIT BRANT MAGAZINE!

By Cate Breaugh FIT BRANT
   Keeping older adults healthy, safe and strong is the focus of a unique exercise program offered by Aberdeen Health and Community Services. 
   The SMART(R) program aims to assist senior citizens in exercising those muscles that are needed to keep up with daily living, helping them to stay independent longer.  SMART (r) stands for Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together and is geared to people 55 years and older.
   "The program started in 2007 but has been renovated and was re-introduced in October of 2009," explained Amber Cowan who is Aberdeen's Manager of Community Engagement and Communication.  Volunteers who are trained through the Victorian Order of Nurses SMART (R) program lead the classes that are delivered in home or group settings.
   At home sessions are one on one and offer participants not only the chance to exercise to music, but also to socialize with the volunteer fitness instructor who does the exercises along with them.  Instructors are matched with clients who have similar interests or backgrounds so there's common ground right at the start.  In home sessions can be scheduled for nights and/or weekends if desired.
   Group sessions include about 10 clients and are led by two instructors.  Right now Aberdeen offers group classes at both Brierwood Seniors Centre and Lorne Towers.  By next fall they ope to be offering two more classes in the County of Brant as well. 
   All Aberdeen volunteers, "live out our core values throughout the program as you participate," Cowan said.  Aberdeen recognizes that respect, participation, responsiveness, integrity and quality are critical.  Their values driven approach means that participants >

in the SMART (R) program can expect a quality service delivered at a high standard.  And as one participant said, "It was fun."
   The program consists of a set group of 12 exercises that can be altered to suit the fitness level and capabilities of the participant.  Clients go at their own speed and 100 percent of those who were surveyed after a recent group session say they would take the SMART(R) program again.  In fact, they gave the program glowing reviews.
   "I would have loved a program like this 20 years ago, even," said one participant.  Another reports, "I look forward to the program.  I am able to stand and sit if needed.  The instructor is full of sympathy, empathy, energy and is very helpful."
   The participants also report physical benefits from doing the exercises.  Some say they are steadier, more invigorated and less stiff.  "Once I get going I can breathe easier.  Stretching, balancing and other exercises help me feel stronger and better all around." More energy is the result for many.  And all of those surveyed said that they felt safe in the class and that they appreciated the chance to get out and participate with others.  "Excellent fellowship and fitness program," noted one client. 
   "The program is funded 100 percent by the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) as part of the Aging At Home initiative," said Cowan.  Regular cost for the sessions are $2 each but Cowan explains that cost is never a barrier for receiving the program.  For more information about the SMART (R) exercise program call coordinator Charlene Burt at 519-759-7750 or contact her at cburt@aberdeenhealth.ca.