Christchurch seniors are getting the chance to stay fit and social.
The Wainoni Avonside Community Services Trust runs a day center in Burwood, offering a range of activities to community members at low cost.
Zumba, crafts and 'Move it or Lose it' are just some of the daily activities the trust organizes, along with health talks and hearing checks.
Most members are over 65 years old and community coordinator Betty Chapman believes it is vital that they have access to these types of opportunities.
“It's very important especially for the older person because it brings the oxygen to the brain and activates the brain and therefore keeps your brain healthier.”
The number of people visiting the center has grown in recent years and the trust now has more than 150 residents on its books.
The funding will help keep prizes between $2 and $5 so everyone can afford to participate.
“We keep it affordable, but if it were more expensive we wouldn't have between 150 and 200 visitors a week.”
Chapman plans the weekly schedules, takes feedback and lets members decide what to do next.
She said the most important thing is to keep them engaged so they continue to learn and connect with each other.
“I love the connecting and sometimes here in the tearoom after a class it's just so full of conversations, you know, and it's connecting and they go home with the release of endorphins and they go home happy.”
She said the sessions are open to all ages and she encourages people from all walks of life to join in, have fun and make new friends.
– By Emily O'Hagan, created with support from NZ On Air