Nizwa: The Ihssan Association in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate recently organised a heartening sports forum in Nizwa exclusively designed for the elderly. It aptly named the event ‘Fitness Forever’. The event at the Nizwa Sports Complex brought together a spirited gathering of 100 elderly men and women from Nizwa on a lively Saturday morning.
The Association collaborated with Nizwa Healthy City, the Nutrition Department, the Physical Therapy Department at Nizwa Hospital, and the Nizwa Youth Complex, as the event aimed to honour and uplift the elderly by promoting their health and well-being.
‘Fitness Forever’ provided a platform for the elderly to revel in enjoyable sports activities, fostering a sense of community spirit. The carefully curated activities catered to diverse interests, promoting positive interaction with the challenges of ageing and encouraging continuous physical activity. The event created an atmosphere of life and activity, enabling the elderly to forge beautiful memories and engage with peers.
The programme’s objectives included reinforcing the importance of sports for maintaining health among the elderly. It also sought to educate them about the significance of adopting suitable exercises into their daily routines. Expert trainers guided the elderly through exercises tailored to their needs, motivating them to embrace daily physical activity. Additionally, the programme emphasised the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and its positive impact on overall well-being.
Elderly participants, carefully selected from various villages of Nizwa, underwent initial physical fitness assessments to ensure their suitability for the activities. The association prioritised participants’ well-being, striving to exclude those with specific health concerns.
The day started with measuring body mass and biometrics for all participants, followed by stimulating exercises conducted separately for men and women. Competitive events and entertaining games infused a sense of camaraderie among the elderly, adding a spirited dimension to the sports day.
Complementing the sports activities were awareness corners addressing essential aspects of elderly life, including nutrition, blood pressure, blood sugar, and overall health guidelines. Private institutional bodies engaged in health education, offering valuable insights tailored to the elderly.
The participants were given health consultations. Hamad bin Salim al Kindi, a member of the Ihssan Association, highlighted the significance of these forums as integral to the association’s commitment to social, sports, and health activities. He emphasised the importance of providing an outlet for the elderly, enhancing their overall well-being and offering social interaction opportunities.
The Ihssan Association and its collaborators pledged to continue these impactful endeavours, ensuring a brighter and more active future for Nizwa’s elderly population.
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