Dail – Seniors Transcript

Seniors in Fredericton: staying active, having fun, and talking about change.

WEB INFO

Fredericton seniors have a lot to talk about. Many say they’re busier after retirement than before. But does this mean they are enjoying life any less? Not a chance. Liz Dail went bowling, did Tai Chi, and observed a panel discussion all to find out more about aging in Fredericton.

VO

Stepping up and stepping out. Staying active in old age is one thing seniors here in Fredericton reach for. And these seniors are interested in more than just stretching their legs.

CLIPS – Bowling Members

“To get out, and not just to sit at home and read the paper and let the days pass by. You gotta keep active.”

VO

This is a Seniors bowling club that meets every Wednesday for food, bowling, and community. For them, growing old doesn’t have to mean slowing down.

CLIPS – Bowling Members

“Keep active, as long as you can.”

“Keeps us active.”

“Well first of all it’s some good exercise. And then you have social, social life with these ladies.”

VO

Mary Kennedy, a Tai Chi instructor at the Fredericton Seniors Centre loves teaching seniors. She said they bring a new outlook on Tai Chi, and on life.

CLIP – Mary Kennedy, 50+ Tai Chi Teacher

“Seniors for the most part are a little laid back than the regular students as well. Not as obsessed with trying to get somewhere. They’re more along for the journey.”

VO

That journey is a difficult one for many seniors. Issues surrounding aging has become a hot topic over the years. A panel discussion put on by the Third Age Centre sparked conversation on transition and change. Genevieve Laloux who was one of the speakers, shares her concerns about a song Julie Andrews adapted to senior life.

CLIP – Genevieve Laloux, Transitions panel discussion participant

“These are a few of my favourite things, and then she goes; Cadillacs and cataracts and hearing aids and glasses. Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses. Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings, these are a few of my favourite things. That’s crazy. It was a laugh, it was funny. But, my favourite things? Polident and Fixodent? Do I have to look forward to that? And then I realized… those are favourite things because they are comforts. They are comforts in old age.”

Short URL: http://www.newbrunswickbeacon.ca/?p=2169

Posted by Liz Dail on Oct 25, 2009. Filed under Transcripts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.