When we got to the beach, I said jokingly: “You stay home to stay healthy, why bother traveling on the road?” She smiled and said: “You said it well. You only get sick at home. Exercising here will help you stay healthy.” Then she introduced herself as Nguyen Thi Trong, over 80 years old. In the past, she had to work hard to earn a living and carry a lot of burdens, so her back was hunched. Now, although she walks a little slowly, she is still strong. Therefore, every morning she walks alone to the beach to exercise. Thanks to that, her health has improved and she rarely gets sick. Mrs. Trong is rarely absent, and even actively encourages everyone in the residential area to participate.

Senior members exercise on My Khe beach.

Ms. Trong is a member of the Phuoc My Ward Gymnastics and Health Club (Son Tra District, Da Nang City), established more than ten years ago. With the spirit of actively practicing for their own health, everyone voluntarily registered to participate. Every day, at 5 o'clock, members gather at My Khe beach to practice together. At first, some members participated in training on physical exercises organized by Da Nang City, then returned to instruct everyone. The physical exercises and group exercises have a gentle rhythm, suitable for the health of the elderly. The person in front guides the person behind, thanks to which the members of the Club have mastered many exercises.

Mr. Tran Van Ngo, Head of the Phuoc My Ward Fitness and Wellness Club, said: “Understanding the physical and psychological characteristics of the elderly, we choose appropriate, easy-to-remember, and easy-to-implement forms of exercise. After each training session, the club organizes instruction for members in wellness exercises, fan dance, stick dance, and folk dance. The exercises are performed on the background music of traditional songs combined with gentle movements that are easy to practice and at the same time create an exciting spirit for the participants.”

In addition to daily practice, the club also participates in performing in local cultural and sports events as well as interacting with local gym clubs. Thanks to these activities, everyone can interact and learn to make their practice more effective. Elderly members who enthusiastically participate in physical exercise become role models to encourage their children and grandchildren to actively exercise, thereby promoting the development of the local sports movement.

Article and photos: DANG KHOA

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