Elders in Motion Gathering

Supporting Active Aging: Elders in Motion Gathering Brings Communities Together

On October 6 & 7, 48 participants from more than nine communities came together in N’Dılǫ

for the NWTRPA’s Elders in Motion Training Gathering. Over two days, the gathering focused on

practical ways to help Elders and older adults stay active, connect with others, and participate

in recreation in their communities.

The event also marked the first in a series of regional training gatherings under our new pilot

conference model. These gatherings will create opportunities for focused learning and

connection around specific areas of recreation, bringing people together to build skills they can

use close to home.

Building Skills to Support Active Aging

At the heart of the gathering was the Elders in Motion Active Living Exercise Program training.

This training explored how community leaders can organize and deliver physical activity

programs for aging adults.

Gathering participants learned about the importance of physical activity for healthy living,

identifying people who could benefit from a program, and supporting Elders who want to

participate. The training also covered safe exercise practices and 10 simple, progressive

exercises.

The focus was on helping participants make movement approachable and adaptable, with

activities that respond to older adults’ different abilities and needs.

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Exploring Different Ways to Move

The gathering also introduced several approaches to supporting active living, recognizing that

meaningful recreation can take many forms.

Mary Wasylycia, Diana Mathisen, Teresa Watson, Lois Little, and others introduced tai chi

through its slow, gentle movements, controlled breathing, and mindful attention. The session

offered another option for incorporating movement into programming for older adults.

A discussion about reducing sedentary behaviours also took place, exploring strategies being

tried in community and elsewhere to help people spend less time sitting and bring more

movement into everyday life.

In Building Community, Sharing Dance: An Approach to Dementia Care, presenters from

Canada’s National Ballet School explored how creative movement can support people living

with dementia and those who support them. The session highlighted opportunities for older

adults to experience dance in their own way while enjoying the physical, emotional, and social

benefits of moving together.

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Connecting Through Stories and Shared Purpose

The program also included a visit to the How I Survived exhibit at the Sǫ̀mba K’è / Yellowknife

Visitors Centre. Celebrating the strength, resilience, spirit, and creativity of former residential

school students, the exhibit provided space to reflect on the history and continuing legacy of

residential and day schooling in the North.

Our Annual General Meeting took place during lunch on the second day, connecting the

gathering with the organization’s broader work and priorities.

Bringing Learning Home

Supporting active aging takes practical skills, thoughtful programming, and people who

understand their communities. By bringing people together around this shared purpose, the

Elders in Motion gathering offered ideas and approaches they could draw on in their own

recreation programs.

As the first event in our series of regional training gatherings, it provided a focused opportunity

to learn, connect, and strengthen support for Elders and older adults across the NWT.

Thank you to the participants, presenters, and all those who contributed to these two days of

learning in N’Dılǫ.