Seniors don St. Patrick's day costumes at zumba class

St. Patrick’s Day and zumba classes have at least one thing in common.

They’re both parties, says Krista Power, while two dozen or so Thunder Bay seniors got their dance on Tuesday afternoon at the 55-Plus Centre, decked out in all manner of green clothing and accessories, including oversized sunglasses and colourful wigs.

Power, the program and marketing co-ordinator for the city’s older adult division, said the St. Patrick’s day celebration was a great way to showcase what the centre has to offer, what it’s like to be 55 or older and the overall level of fun elderly people can have staying fit and being active.

“It’s just getting into the spirit of the day and the festive atmosphere of St. Patrick’s Day,” Power said.

Making exercise fun for people of any age makes it less of a task and more of an enjoyable activity, she added.

“It’s absolutely a key if someone is looking at a fitness program, that it’s something that’s fun, something you’re going to stick with,” Power said.

Power said it’s important for people of every age to maintain fitness levels, but particularly older adults who are prone to falls and other injuries and illnesses.

“Staying fit is the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle as you age.”

Zumba classes run every week at the 55-Plus Centre, one of about 72 programs offered at the River Street facility.

“There’s everything from visual arts to fitness to general interest – cards, games, pickle-ball – almost everything you can imagine.”