The most wonderful time of the year. Really.

“We were out skiing with our sons,” writes Grant Herndent, “and as we were riding the lift, we reflected on how beautiful it was on the hill. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and the trees were all covered in new snow. It was a chilly day, but that just made the conditions perfect for our little ski getaway.”

Activity is important for fitness of course, but it’s important in all sorts of other ways, too. Getting out into the weather, and finding ways to enjoy it, can make a long season into one filled with good times and great memories.



Nordic Skiing

As long as you bundle up there are plenty of wonderful Nordic ski trails out there. Nordic Skiing (also known by many as Cross Country Skiing) is considered by many as a great way to remain active, while at the same time enjoy the outdoors. Recreational cross-country skiing is most frequently used as an opportunity of touring areas that have an abundant amount of snow. Nordic Skiing can be combined into an activity over an extended period of time by using tents and equipment similar to bushwalkers/hikers. Others prefer to take relatively short trips from ski resorts on maintained trails.  What makes this an even better opportunity for seniors is the fact that many Nordic Ski trails are flat in terrain and easily skied by participants of all ages. And if you're feeling competitive, there are races too--the photo at left is a shot from the Haliburton Senior Winter Games, held each year in Halliburton, Ontario.

Pickleball

Many Municipal buildings, senior centres and recreational halls are making the necessary adjustments so residents have the opportunities to play pickleball indoors making it a year round event. Pickleball (named after the founder’s dog “Pickle”) is a delightful combination of tennis, table-tennis, and badminton. It is truly a game for everyone with the equipment being lightweight to handle and the pace of the game more moderate thanks largely to the type of paddles and the use of waffle balls.  Many seniors cannot get enough of this sport, resulting in pickleball being played year round.

Active living centres

Activity, of course, isn’t restricted to sport. In almost all cities, towns or villages there is a local group playing cards, snooker or pool, or just sitting in a café. While many municipal seniors’ centres close during the holidays, others, such as the Burlington Seniors’ Centre in Burlington, Ontario, provide special programming over the holidays, from extended hours, to three-week programs. Mandy Newnham is the supervisor of recreation at the Burlington Seniors' Centre. "Every day," she writes, "our rooms are filled with intellects, artists, so- cial butterflies, and fit men and women working out to maintain their buns of steel." That remains true even through the holiday season.

While that centre is perhaps unique in the range and number of classes and events that it offers, similar facilities across Canada are expanding programming. There's a lot more going on than you think.


 


 




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