Eighty-five-year-old Marie Watters-Brown doesn't let her age stand in the way of keeping her mind and body active and fit.
The retired president of the Halifax Business Academy enjoys spending time with other seniors where she can continue to learn, have fun and instruct others in her passion for yoga.
On the third Thursday of every month she attends the Lunch and Learn Group for seniors at the Port Wallis United Church on the third Thursday of the month.
"Coming here lifts you up. And it gives you confidence in yourself when you continue to learn. When your body doesn't move the way it use to, it can be frustrating. But I have enjoyed getting people in the group moving again."
Yoga isn't the only activity that has been offered at Lunch and Learn, where a hot nutritious lunch is always a part of the meetings.
Over the past three years the group has featured speakers on finances, nutrition, wills and estate planning and information on prescription medications.
Colin McCrae has been part of the group for a couple of years. His job has been to solicit sponsorship from local business owners.
"There are no fees to be in this group, which is where sponsorship comes in. Businesses give monetary donations and then they can come in and give talks, if they want to."
Smitty's Restaurant on Main Street has been one of the sponsors.
"They have come in and talked about how customers can convey their special dietary requirements to the restaurant." said McCrae. "It has all been very informative for us."
McRae's wife Ann has Alzheimers. He says she has benefitted greatly from attending the meetings.
"She loves the comradery, meeting new people and getting out. She is always happy to get there."
McCrae says seniors are especially vulnerable at times and need to be reminded of situations that can impact their lives.
"Which is why we need to get together, learn from one another and take advantage of programs that are available."
Councillor Darren Fisher, District 6 - Harbourview- Burnside - Dartmouth East, met with the group and says they are a very engaged and energetic group of seniors. He has been pleased to help them out.
"They are very interested in not only the social aspect of the group but also in continued learning, staying active, fit and healthy. In fact, one member walks more than 10-km per day," said Fisher.
The next session will be held at the Port Wallis United Church, 263 Waverley Road at noon on Jan. 17. A member of the RCMP will be on hand to talk about seniors and fraud.
There is no fee to attend, but participants are encouraged to donate at the session as a free will offering.
Anyone age 55 and up are invited to attend.
The oldest current member is 92.
Asked why it is important for seniors to have groups like the Lunch and Learn, Colin McCrae says that answer is simple. "We are all still living life. And we are enjoying ourselves."
For information on the group, email president Reta Manuel at mr@ns.sympatico.ca
