Who imagines the beautiful butterfly that will eventually emerge from the cocoon of a very hungry caterpillar?
When a group of Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong citizens over 60 embarked on a 10-week program that would, through strength and balance training, transform them into vibrant, confident men and women ready to fly back into the fullness of later life, they may not have imagined this outcome at the outset.
“Thrive in 2025,” launched by Dr Liz Cyarto and funded by the state government through the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund, was held at the Seniors Exercise Park in Spotswood.
We were taught, coached, and encouraged by Dr Liz Cyarto and Louise Karch to consciously and correctly use the purpose-built exercise equipment that targets different muscle groups throughout the whole body. Being part of a group that worked together in pairs, rotating through the exercise equipment made the program more enjoyable and enabled us to see our progress, week by week.
At the program’s close, on May 8, our transformation was evidenced by assessment results.
Our balance improved by 38 per cent and leg strength increased by 23 per cent.
Ten weeks of working together had melded us into a group that continues to meet regularly and build on our achievements.
As older citizens, we have the privilege of evaluating our lives and the freedom to choose a future that is purposeful and productive and includes meeting on Thursdays at 10am at Donald McLean Reserve where our strength and wellbeing continues to be transformed.
