Retirees beat the heat with water aerobics

With the arrival of summer, residents living at Bolton Clarke’s Tantula Rise retirement village at Alexandra Headlands have found a way to beat the heat – and keep fit at the same time.

With some encouragement from Bolton Clarke Retirement Village Manager Kerrianne Leembruggen, the residents have begun weekly water aerobics classes, and the time in the pool is proving to be both good fun and a workout.

Mary Jensen, 78, said that she’d not previously been so keen to get into the water, but that the group class makes it more enticing.

“It gives me the extra spur to come and do some exercise,” she said.

“The music keeps you going, and the exercises aren’t too stressful or strenuous which makes the class enjoyable.

“I want to stay fit and stay on my feet, stay walking.”

Mary began classes in November after a very successful trial class to test the waters with her and fellow residents, including exercising enthusiast Neville Green, 91.

“I’ve been a runner all my life – I was running until I was 70,” said Neville.

“But I had to give that up as I’ve gotten older, so I started bicycling and then turned to swimming. I find the water aerobics is a great outlet. It keeps me getting in the pool.”

Neville says his goal is to maintain his physical fitness and to create lasting friendships.

“I’d like to get better flexibility, and the social aspect of the classes is very important to me – it bonds us all together.

“I like Tantula Rise because there’s a relatively small group of us – all individuals but we look after each other.

“We’re a close-knit group - we don’t live in each other’s pockets - we are quite independent, but we do help each other out if we need to.”

Mary echoes Neville’s thoughts on village life.

“Kerrianne is very proactive and keeps things running very smoothly,” she said.

“You’re not as isolated here as if you would be in your own home – there’s a real sense of community.”