During the winter season the thought of a nasty slip or fall, the possibility of a broken bone or nasty and painful bruise keep many a senior indoors and neglecting their physical health and conditioning. It seems that when the regular walk around the block is imperilled by the presence of slippery-snow, freezing rain or when intermittent ice appears on paths and walkways seniors decide to err on the side of caution and gravitate to the indoor pool to get their exercise. For many and varied reasons it seems that many seniors are drawn to the indoor water in winter. We come to the subject of water sports/swimming because it is one winter sport that we can enjoy indoors while eluding the vagaries of Canada's outside winter weather.

There are many who hold the opinion that the human species emerged from the water. Perhaps that explains our fascination with or uncontrollable fear of water. We know we can't live without water so we might as well enjoy and use it for fun, fitness, sport and exercise.

From our youngest days we enjoyed a playful if fitful relationship with water. Many a pond had a makeshift diving board atop a log raft. Beneath the surface of the pond was the muck that would squish between the toes. Dirty yes but no one noticed until we got home. Those fortunate enough to live in the larger towns and cities were able to go to a really clean outside chlorinated pool. Lessons were provided for a small fee and one could actually learn to swim or at least to enjoy the water.
In these modern days most communities have indoor, year round swimming pools for the entire family to enjoy clean fun sport. Swim meets are scheduled almost every weekend. Swim and exercise programmes are held on a scheduled basis with affordable daily usage fees and reasonable season packages. Most communities now schedule pool times specifically for seniors when they can get into the pool and swim or exercise without the added concern of the noise and unbridled enthusiasm of ankle-biters trying to drown them. Although many seniors engage in water sport just to maintain their physical well being, others chose to participate in The Masters Swim Programme that follows proscribed norms to measure fitness and ability.

Seniors continue to swim into their advanced years simply because swimming is seen as one of the most efficient conditioning and fitness sports. While the water helps support the body's weight the exercise of swimming keeps the muscles supple and the joints active. It is a body friendly way to maintain health and fitness while enjoying the support and socialization that comes from interacting with interesting people. If you don't swim to maintain your health - why aren't You?

Jerry Flaman     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it                                                                                               For more information about swimming facilities and schedules go to:
Summerland Aquatics and Fitness Centre 494-0447
Penticton Community Centre Swimming Pool 490-2434
Kelowna Parkinson Recreation Centre 763-3239