Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels have announced an exciting new social activities program for seniors in 2021.
The following activities are open to people over 65 years of age who don’t require assistance with daily living tasks.
Tuesday mornings: Technology help to assist seniors to better operate their mobile phones and technological devices.
A volunteer will assist seniors one-on-one to operate their own gadgets. This will be followed by playing cards and boardgames.
Wednesday mornings: Two gentle exercise activities will be held on alternate Wednesday mornings. ‘Ageless Grace’ led by Kristen Forster is seated movement to music for lifelong comfort of ease of body and brain, described as ‘self-paced and fun movement based on the science of neuroplasticity.’
‘Move to Heal’ led by Yvette Connors is standing and seated movement ‘designed to bring flexibility, agility, mobility, strength and stability through gentleness and ease’.
This is a whole-body program that uses healing arts, martial arts and dance arts ‘to allow each person to listen to their body’s own way of movement to rediscover movement freedom and joy.’
A writing group led by Vicki Knudson will run two Wednesdays a month, sharing stories and experiences via the written word, with tutor support. Discussion and exploration with other members helps to improve writing skills. A monthly book club is also being planned.
Every second Wednesday Meredith Yardley leads fortnightly seated short meditations to calm the body and mind.
Cost for most activities is $2 including morning tea.
Elders drumming circle
On Thursdays, starting in February, there will be a fortnightly Elders Drumming Circle with Gareth from ‘Sound Synergy’, an interactive drumming and percussion circle to help participants connect with others ‘in fun, creative and carefree sessions that also de-stress and rejuvenate well-being.’ No musical experience is necessary. Cost $5.
All activities follow COVID-safe practices, and are held at the Ballina Hockey Club, Bentinck Street, Ballina. For further information and bookings contact Kristen: 0419679719.
Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels also offers free social support phone calls to older people who are feeling socially isolated, and would appreciate a weekly chat on the phone with a volunteer.
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