Mindful Movement Program Connects Older Adults in New Glasgow

In New Glasgow, a pioneering community program, Mindful Movement, is revolutionizing the concept of wellness. Launched through the West Side Health Centre, it aims to make exercise more accessible, while simultaneously fostering social connections and offering practical learning opportunities.

The Impact of Mindful Movement on Community Members

Irene Limburg, a dedicated participant since the program began last spring, has continued to take part in each session. “What I enjoy most is meeting people and learning new things,” she commented. “We start with chair exercises, then a dietitian informs us about different topics weekly. Their discussion topics vary based on group suggestions. Additionally, they conduct small mental health check-ins that are very beneficial.”

Program Details and Accessibility

The Mindful Movement Program is a structured eight-week course designed for community members aged 50 and above. It is hosted by the West Side Community Centre, facilitated by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. This team includes the newly appointed wellness navigators from the One Door Chronic Disease Management Centre.

Developing a Supportive Wellness Community

Social worker Anna Galvin conceptualized Mindful Movement in response to several challenges faced by the local community: financial constraints, mobility issues, and a lack of guidance kept many people inactive. “Initially, many participants were hesitant to join group classes,” Galvin stated. “We aimed to eliminate any barriers to their participation, making it as inviting and accessible as possible.”

Unique Program Structure

Each session consists of a gentle exercise set followed by discussions on nutrition and mental health. Dietitian Cheryl Ramsey personalizes her content according to participant interests. “I always ask what they’re interested in,” Ramsey said. “We’ve covered topics such as label reading, budget-friendly cooking, diabetes prevention, and overall healthy eating.”

Building a Sense of Belonging Through Social Connection

For numerous attendees, Mindful Movement’s greatest value lies not in physical fitness improvement, but in the increased sense of belonging. “Some individuals wouldn’t attend activities of this nature independently,” Ramsey remarked. “However, because they feel comfortable coming through a familiar connection to the clinic, it opens up more opportunities for them.”

The Role of Community Investments

The program’s success is also attributed to initial financial support from the Government of Nova Scotia’s Age-Friendly Communities Grant. This grant enabled the organizers to offer light snacks post-session, encouraging participants to socialize. Even after the funding ended, the attendees carried on this tradition, gathering after activities to chat and connect. “It created a supportive environment right from the start,” Anna said.

Phased Expansion and Participant Outreach

The grant also subsidized the hiring of an exercise professional, leading to noticeable improvements in participants’ strength and mobility. “Their physical capabilities clearly showed progress from week to week,” Ramsey added. “Initially, some struggled with limited mobility; by the end, all participants were lifting both legs in exercises.” The program’s continued success is largely due to the personal outreach of Haley Kirby, the primary care coordinator. “Haley went out of her way to reach out to past participants and helped with attending logistical issues, such as transportation,” Anna noted. Kramer’s efforts ensured the program grew and firmly grounded itself within the community.

Current and Future Outreach Plans

Mindful Movement has gained significant popularity, with both returning and first-time participants eagerly awaiting the next session. “The reception has been extraordinary,” Cheryl enthused. Anna and Cheryl are focused on maintaining the program’s core values while considering the possibility of introducing it to other locations in New Glasgow. “It goes beyond just physical exercises,” Anna stressed. “It’s about providing a welcoming space where people feel supported, valued, and socially connected. That’s the real magic.”

Alignment with Government Health Initiatives

The Mindful Movement Program’s comprehensive approach to healthy active living, mental well-being, and barrier-free information aligns with the recently introduced Community Health Plan for 2025-2029, by Nova Scotia’s community health boards. This shared vision underscores the significance of Mindful Movement within the broader landscape of community health services.

The Mindful Movement Program’s focus on healthy active living and social connection, mental wellness and barrier-free access to information aligns with the Community Health Plan for 2025-2029, recently launched by Nova Scotia’s community health boards.

Photo of (L-R) social worker Anna Galvin, Mindful Movement participant Irene Limburg and dietitian Cheryl Ramsey at a recent Mindful Movement session in New Glasgow.