The Langdon Older Kids (O.K.) Seniors Club is challenging the community to get healthy and active throughout the month of June.
The club has received grant money from ParticipACTION to spearhead the organization’s Community Challenge in the southeastern Rocky View County hamlet.
“Just don't be shy,” local fitness instructor and Community Challenge organizer Julie Meier told the Rocky View Weekly in an interview, when asked why Langdonites should take part in the initiative. “Come out and join us. Even if you feel like you're not in the best shape of your life, or maybe use a walker or some other mobility device now, that doesn't mean you still can't come out and be part of the community that's moving together.”
The Langdon Older Kids (O.K.) Seniors Club will be sponsoring various instructor-led activities throughout the month to get locals moving, including yoga classes, dance fitness classes, communal walks, pickleball tournaments, and others. All events are free of charge to community members.
“I'm just really encouraging anyone, regardless of levels of mobility, to give things a try with us,” Meier said.
Meier is encouraging residents to download the ParticipACTION app to keep track of upcoming events in the community, and also let others know in the community what they are doing to personally meet the organization’s Community Challenge.
“I've certainly seen the benefits (of staying fit and active) that are far-reaching,” said Meier. “You know, aside from the obvious benefits of moving, which is better health, more mobility and better function, especially as we go into our older adult years, but also just a sense of community.”
That sense of community is really what is most important for Langdon community members taking part in the Community Challenge, Meier emphasized.
“Joining together with a group of people and working out together and then, you know, having some social time afterwards – I think [that] is quite critical to the whole programming,” she said. “So those pieces are all important to getting the community out and moving together.”
Meier also wanted to personally challenge members of the hamlet to get active in any way they can.
“I would like to challenge the community of Langdon and communities outside of Langdon to also get involved and increase their movement for the month of June,” she said. “Hopefully it'll be a beautiful month to be outside and show the country how active we are here in Alberta.”
