Vitality starts here: Valerie’s story 

When Valerie first retired, she had many dreams of things she wanted to do. But she noticed that she couldn’t walk stairs very well and was starting to have trouble getting around. She knew she wanted to garden and travel and for that, she needed to be able to move around comfortably.

She saw an ad for the YMCA and thought “why not go for it?” She says it was the best thing she ever did. That was 25 years ago.

Valerie, at 90 years old, has done lots of different classes but her current favourite is Zumba because she loves the music and dancing. She says that because the steps are fast, it challenges her feet and brain and keeps her young.

“I’ve made so many friends and we always chat after class. I always feel wonderful when I come back from the Y, I feel like I can tackle anything.

Getting off the couch and joining the Y was the best thing I ever did. It’s given me everything I need to enjoy my retirement.”