People find it easy to be stereotypical, especially when it comes to senior citizens.
You know them — the grandma sitting in the rocking chair knitting up mittens or socks for the children and grandchildren.
Grandpa is sitting in his recliner watching some television in between catching a few ZZs.
Maybe that’s the case for some, but there are many seniors out there who are living active and vibrant lives who would put some from generations behind them to shame.
Such is the case for certain senior women in Stephenville who attend the Bay St. George YMCA on a regular basis, getting to the gym 95 per cent of the time.
Lucy Tourout, at the young age of 74 years, admits that two women she brings to the Y, who are more than a decade her senior, are “smarter” than she is when it comes to working out.
She’s talking about Bernadette Benoit, who is 88 years of age; and Bridgette Rouzes, 86 years, who participate in the same classes she does, including: pound fit, stretching exercises, Zumba, step classes, walking and another which incorporates balls and sticks.
Tourout said at their age the step exercises are done without the step, but they still go through all the motions on the floor like the others who participate.
But it’s not all about the exercising. It’s also about getting out of the house and socializing with others that attend the YMCA, whether it’s people close to their age or even a lot younger. It’s a great way to spend four mornings a week.
Tourout said she is sad that there are seniors who sit at home doing nothing when they could be going to the YMCA and taking part in these exercise classes.
She encourages people of all ages to get out to the YMCA and get involved. She said anyone who does so will find it a great place to go and enjoy the environment there, between the staff and the people that attend.
Tourout said it’s all positive.
While there are lots of seniors who are already involved in the classes at the Bay St. George YMCA, she said there is room for lots more and staff would only be too happy to have them there participating in classes and making their lives a whole lot more gratifying.
These three ladies, affectionately called “The Golden Girls,” are an inspiration to others who should really consider getting out of the house and into these exercise classes.
