Jeanette Van Hyfte | Article & Photos

“ Keep moving and be proactive to maintain and improve your health ” was Ron Schafer ’ s message at an ARTA Wellness Committee meeting . Ron presented information on August 18 via Zoom informing the committee of his free seniors ’ fitness program . He also shared two videos , one with Stephen Jepson showing creative and fun-filled ways to exercise and the other with Dan Buettner , a researcher and writer for National Geographic . Buettner is well known for studying areas in the world with the healthiest people , the most centenarians , and their secrets to longevity . Inspired by Jepson and Buettner , Ron incorporated many of these lessons into his free seniors ’ fitness program at Burman University in Lacombe .

Ron is an associate professor of physical education at Burman University ( previously called Canadian Union College ). With a bachelor ’ s and a master ’ s degree in Physical Education , Ron taught at the Canadian Union College and Burman University , recently celebrating his fortieth year as a health and physical education instructor , coach , athlete , and fundraiser . He coached many sports teams over the years , including an acrobatics team named the “ Acronaires .” Ron continued to coach and participate in acrobatic performances for thirty years , with performances throughout Canada and in many other parts of the world . To achieve these goals , Ron raised thousands of dollars .

Jepson ’ s motivational and inspiring video called “ Never Leave the Playground ,” showed the capabilities of an individual in his 70s . His philosophy is to keep moving and have fun staying physically and mentally fit . Jepson demonstrated some simple to complex physical activities to challenge seniors . These activities focus on balance , hand-eye coordination , leg strength , and fine muscle control , and include juggling , picking up marbles with your toes and putting them in a container , and balancing while walking on rocks . For those who are feeling confident , try balancing on a board on a can and juggling at the same time . You can also create your own exercise toys to make the activity even more fun and customized to your skills .

Dan Buettner , a researcher and writer who worked with National Geographic , explains some of the secrets to longevity . He located the healthiest and oldest living people in the world and found five longevity zones having the most centenarians . They are Sardinia , Italy ; Nicoya , Costa Rica ; Okinawa , Japan ; Icaria , Greece ; and Loma Linda , California . We can learn from the behaviours that the people living in these zones have in common , including putting importance on moving , having a healthy diet , being with family , feeling socially connected , and embracing spirituality .

Ron Schafer ’ s classes for Lacombe seniors cover many aspects of wellness such as physical , social , intellectual , and emotional wellness . Workouts include physical and mental activities such as weight training ,

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