Leschenault Leisure Centre waives gym fees for over 80s fitness program
The Leschenault Leisure Centre in the Western Australian town of Australind has introduced a new incentive for seniors over the age of 80 to participate in physical activity, by offering free lifetime memberships.
Leschenault Leisure Centre Manager Richard Duke advised that the Shire of Harvey had introduced the complimentary memberships to be offered to participants for access to the Centre’s aquatic and gymnasium facilities once they reach the 80-year milestone.
Duke explained “the Centre already runs a number of programs to maintain and improve their level of fitness and mobility and by offering free access to the facilities for over 80s we aim to increase the number of older people taking up or continuing physical exercise.
“Participants of our Aqua classes and Living Legends program are aware of the physical and psychological benefits of exercising and their participation also enables them to develop a social network and improve mental health.”
Currently, there are 16 people with memberships who are over the age of 80, including the oldest member Vanda Murray who is 97.
Murray loves coming to the centre, especially taking part in the Living Legends program which she has been part of since its conception eight years ago.
She explains “it is an absolute joy to come here, the staff are very good, the atmosphere is wonderful and you are shown how to use the machines and corrected when you may not be doing it right.
“There are so many social benefits to coming to the program, we all have coffee afterwards and a chat.
“My doctor told me to join the gym after my husband passed away and it has been very beneficial.”
Living Legends participant Arthur Linley said the social and physical benefits were “part and parcel of attending the program”, adding “we check in with each other, sit down for coffee or tea afterwards and enjoy catching up.”
Image: Leschenault Leisure Centre Living Legends participants; Elke Schulze, Arthur Linley and Vanda Murray.
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