Seniors who live at Tapestry are finding ways every day to debunk the idea of the “frail senior”. That is thanks in part to our teams of on-site kinesiologists, who specialize in human movement and physical activity. The main focus of our kinesiologists is to design group and individual programs to help our residents maintain or improve their fitness levels.

One of the most dramatic success stories comes from Carmen, a resident at Tapestry at Victoria Harbour, who was able to stop using a walker after working with kinesiologist Fatima Rabago. “I consider Fatima my angel,” says Carmen. “When I moved into Tapestry last year, I had had a bad accident and fractured my pelvis. Fatima started working with me on my strength and balance, and within four months I was walking on my own with no walker and no cane!”

Carmen says she attends morning group fitness classes regularly, in addition to her one-on-one sessions with Fatima. Her husband Denis has also benefited from working with Fatima.

Carmen adds that even though her physical fitness is now back to where it was prior to her accident, perhaps even a bit better, she plans to continue her workout sessions. “Fatima always has new exercises for me to do,” she says. “I’m lifting weights and doing pushups, and my body likes it. The biggest benefit of all is using exercise to heal instead of medication.”

Carmen says she also enjoys the lift in her mood after completing a fitness session. “Exercise benefits your brain as well as your body,” she adds.

Geraldine has a similar success story to tell. She moved into Tapestry at Arbutus Walk in the autumn of 2022, and unfortunately a few months later while walking in downtown Vancouver she was struck by a cyclist and sustained a head injury with concussion.

Geraldine was initially referred to an off-site physiotherapist but found the logistics of getting to the appointments difficult. She’s now been seeing Tapestry kinesiologist Busola Adeyinka twice a week and has seen big improvements.

After suffering from issues with dizziness and balance following the accident, Geraldine was able to walk in the September 2023 Parkinson SuperWalk thanks to her tailored fitness program designed by Busola. “Not only did I walk the two-kilometre route with the group, I decided I was already in Stanley Park and the day was young, so I walked back to the start and went for coffee before returning to Tapestry,” she says.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without this service,” Geraldine adds. “It’s not only helped physically but also mentally, because it takes away the stress of having to leave the community to receive treatment.”

One of the many benefits of regular activity is improvement in health markers. Marlene, who moved into Tapestry at Wesbrook Village with her husband two years ago, is a case in point. “My body has really enjoyed living at Tapestry,” she says. “Not only am I more physically fit and have firmer muscles, but my blood pressure has decreased and I am now taking less medication.”

Marlene is a regular participant in Tapestry’s group exercise classes – at least four to five times a week, she says. “I also do pole walking, which we do in Pacific Spirit Park here in our neighbourhood, and also at destinations such as the Stanley Park Seawall,” she says. “These outings are also a chance to socialize with other residents in the group.”

Having moved to Vancouver from Ontario to be closer to family, Marlene says the social aspect of the fitness classes and other planned activities is also important to her. “Everyone talks and laughs, and I’ve made some very good friends,” she says.

Marlene also credits the on-site Wellness employees, including kinesiologists Sophie Brumwell and Laura Duggan, with creating a motivating environment. “They really understand mature bodies and know what you’re capable of, how much you should exert yourself, when you should take a breather, what you have to work with, and how to get the best out of you,” she says.

For seniors in particular, there are many benefits from kinesiology including:

• Better posture and alignment
• Relief from pain and stiffness

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  Increased strength, flexibility and mobility along with injury prevention

• Improved breathing and circulation
• Improved overall health and reduced stress levels.

Read more about our kinesiology offerings and our talented and dedicated employees who deliver those services.

At Tapestry, we align all of the services we offer to our 7 Dimensions of Wellness, and our kinesiologists are trained to help residents advance their physical, occupational, social and intellectual fitness. If you are looking for a vibrant and active retirement living community, please contact us and we would be pleased to host you for lunch and a tour.