Teaming up to help seniors stay active

Source: TaiSPO Show Daily 2016

Fitness classes are a great way for senior citizens to stay active and healthy. But classes take space, and seniors may not be willing to travel far to find one. So to bring exercise classes closer to seniors, Taiwan fitness manufacturers are trying a novel approach in cooperation with the city of Taichung.

The city is donating space in underused government buildings around Taichung, and the manufacturers are donating fitness equipment. “We are trying to help by encouraging healthy behavior,” said Catherine Wang, president of the Taiwan Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, which is backing the program. “Some older people stay at home all day or sit in the park together, but exercising together is much more fun.”

In October, Floriey Industries International, a Taichung fitness manufacturer, equipped Taichung’s first such center. Organizers hired certified instructors with experience leading “active aging” classes. Supporters of the program, which include the TSMA and the Corporate Synergy Development Center, envision a network of centers across Taichung. In addition to underused buildings, schools can host fitness classes after hours.

Wang said the program started in Taichung because it is home to many fitness equipment manufacturers and because it has relatively few gyms. Floriey was an obvious choice to provide equipment for the program. Last year, it introduced a line of compact fitness equipment for seniors. Called the Circling Range, it encourages group training. The equipment has been downsized for easy access, and so seniors are comfortable stepping on or off.

■ Barbara Smit, Chief Editor of TaiSPO Show Daily