the VIACTIVE program but also to help seniors break isolation, gather, and for Outaouais retirees and seniors to participate in different activities to help promote physical activity. As well as the social aspect to it where participants go on walks and grab coffee after the activities, said Olivia Bouffard, VIACTIVE Advisor.

The events of the day included a walk, lunch and some tai chi. The event invited 10 different senior groups from the Pontiac and it brought in about 40 people, said Bouffard. The program is designed to help participants move regularly and participate in physical activity sessions adapted for them to allow them to be independent for as long as possible.

Originally the event is organized for all the Outaouais region and held at one location, but with the covid restrictions they broke up the event regionally. The last event they had which usually brings in 600 people was held in 2019.

The annual event is organized by the Académie des retraités de l’Outaouais in collaboration with the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais, the Table de développement social du Pontiac, the Corporation de développement communautaire du Pontiac and the Table des aînés et retraités du Pontiac.

“So they were here to represent their organization, and to provide some information. They had some gifts also. They were invited to come here just to be there and to be known by the people,” said Bouffard.

Richard Gratton, from Campbell’s Bay, is one of the animators who has been volunteering for almost eight years and for him he enjoys it because it gets him out of the house and helps keep him in shape. “Every year you’re looking forward to seeing who’s still around and you know, you see people you haven’t seen you talk to them and you get all of the latest gossip,” he said.

Throughout the year, VIACTIVE animators in different regions also organize activities for a group of seniors in their neighbourhood and also use that time to socialize and catch up with friends.

VIACTIVE is a program geared towards promoting physical and mental health among seniors. It encourages the incorporation of a physically active lifestyle, leading to the prevention of various health problems such as chronic diseases, falls and loss of autonomy, while breaking the isolation.

To find out more about the program, contact Olivia Bouffard, VIACTIVE Advisor, at 819 420-0202.

Register or subscribe to read this content

Thanks for stopping by! This article is available to readers who have created a free account or who subscribe to The Equity.

When you register for free with your email, you get access to a limited number of stories at no cost. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access to everything we publish—and directly support quality local journalism here in the Pontiac.

Register or Subscribe Today!