For more than half a century, recreation centres have been providing programs and services to their communities. Rec centres often evoke images of young children and families playing, taking swimming or skating lessons and learning new skills. But a significant portion of the community - and the recreation centre's clientele - is seniors. As this demographic grows, programmers are looking to the future to accommodate the needs and wants of this segment of the population, who have been enjoying programs and making friends here from the time they first opened their doors. One thing that has changed, however, is the type of programs and activities.

For many years, seniors could expect to choose between bingo, bridge and other card games, possibly some arts and crafts, a day-trip outing from time to time, and a few teas or lunchtime special events throughout the year. Over time, a handful of centres added some new programs but, for the most part, nothing changed significantly. Holding on to the status quo, however, is no longer the norm. Instead, more and more rec centres are paying attention to their senior population and programming specifically for them in new and exciting ways.

“The biggest change in programming for seniors is the involvement of seniors in the delivery of our programs,” says Panorama Recreation Centre's Aquatic Co-ordinator Dan Ovington. “We have a huge pool of senior volunteers with a variety of skills looking to give back.”
This is an important and significant shift given the huge change in senior demographics. The first of the baby boomers turn 65 this year.

The world has never seen a generation like the boomers, who have been catered to and marketed to in unprecedented ways their entire lives. It would be folly to believe they will expect any less now that they have started to reach their pensionable years. Not only will they expect and demand services and programs, they will have the voice and the numbers to back up those demands. And they have demonstrated they don’t have the same interests as their parents.

If recreation centres wish to remain relevant to this segment of the population, they will need to adapt and pay attention to the wants and needs of this new generation of seniors.

“There is a greater focus on lifelong active living,” says West Shore Parks & Recreation Centre Manager of Recreation Cindy O'Regan. “Programs and services are aimed at getting seniors more active and then keeping them active well into their 90s. There is also focus put on getting seniors back to doing traditional activities that they use to participate in such as skating, swimming, ballroom dancing, and introducing them to new actives such as fitness programs, weight room training, water fit and running.”

Some of these changes are beginning to happen as part of BC Recreation and Parks Association's (BCRPA) Active Aging Strategy and some have been happening for years. Smart programmers realize that even without the boomers, there is a constant need in the field of recreation to stay abreast of current trends. Rec centre programmers must project to the future to determine what types of offerings will be clamoured for by the people wishing to frequent their facilities in years to come.

“Sometimes, it's a bit of trial and error, but with support and ideas from our community, we tend to find ways to meet the needs for the future,” says Saanich Parks and Recreation Manager of Community Services Steve Meikle.

With more people than ever living into their 90s and later, the person programming for seniors is now often working with three different generations - all considered seniors. With pre-seniors, mid-seniors and elders, one size does not fit all. Programmers have to keep in mind that though they may want to bring in new initiatives, they still need to address the needs of the seniors who have been coming to their centre for years and are not necessarily looking for change. It becomes a balancing act.

“There is a demand for a continuum of services for ages 50 and up,” says Steve.   “Programming tends to focus on offering a range of choices at any age, however, the focus tends to shift from physical benefits and outcomes to more social outcomes at the older end of the spectrum. The population over 50 is diverse, and we've tried to keep the doors open to allow for choices and options.”

One area of change: fitness classes. Fitness for the third age has been around for more than 20 years, but even within that field, there have been changes and advancements. Classes are being offered in Pilates, balance on the ball, yoga, osteofit, joint works and other fitness types. Many offerings focus on stretch and strength training, which use a variety of equipment including balls, weights, bands and cords. Many older adults also use the weight room, not so much to turn into body builders but to improve muscle tone and maintain bone density. To take it outside, some centres even offer walking, cycling or hiking groups.

An important aspect to healthy aging is mental fitness, in addition to physical fitness. Learning can - and should - continue throughout life.

With the rise of dementia, continued learning may be a factor in helping to turn the tide on that dreaded condition. Some of the programs that facilitate mental fitness include second language lessons, brain energizer, mind matters, minds in motion, cooking demonstrations, armchair travellers and more.

“Elder colleges and senior volunteer programs are starting to become the norm at most recreation centres,” says Dan.

As one of the more multicultural provinces, British Columbia welcomes people from diverse cultural backgrounds every day. Young and old, newcomers bring with them a fresh perspective and a rich, cultural background full of traditions and customs, which everyone can enjoy.

So, multicultural programs are popping up in many places for both families and senior-specific programs. In addition to helping people already living in Canada gain an understanding and appreciation for new cultures, new arrivals get a chance to meet people and make some new friends in a comfortable environment at their local recreation centre. There are many cultural festivals and special events, as well as support groups to be found there. Classes in flamenco dance, belly dancing, Polynesian dance, Scottish Country dancing and tai chi are all examples of skills that are part of the Canadian fabric and readily available.

Another change to senior programming is not so much content as the way programs are offered. Years ago, most classes tended to be offered on a seasonal basis, usually running for eight to 12 sessions; now, there are many more short-term or one-off classes offered. Examples include antique appraisals, a Chinese New Year dance, hoedowns, murder mystery evenings, home-energy saving workshop, mature-drivers course, soap making and assorted cooking classes.

Another reality for rec centres is budget cuts. This is not the same in every centre, but for those feeling the pinch, it is important to spend money wisely and be budget-conscious when developing programs. Whether a direct offshoot or not, more partnerships with other agencies and organizations are emerging. “In general, over the last decade, recreation has increased partnerships and options in health and wellness to include rehab services in our facilities from post-cardiac care programs to aqua therapy to weight training,” says Steve.

“There is certainly a growing connection between health services and recreation services.”

Technology consumes society and many seniors want to keep up. Programs available in Internet browsing, how to use email, digital photography, web design and more allow seniors to stay connected - both in their community and beyond.

In short, programmers at recreation centres will face a tremendous challenge in the years ahead with growing demands on their resources, a craving for what is new and relevant from their clientele and an ever-shifting landscape as the speed with which new technologies present themselves continues to accelerate. The one certainty is that with free time in retirement, more and more people will depend on recreation centre programs to satisfy their wants.

JANUARY 2011 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER ISLAND