Active Living

•   Department of Health Promotion and Protection
•   Recreation Nova Scotia (RNS)
•   Elderobics Association of Nova Scotia
•   YMCAs and YWCAs
•   Yoga Atlantic

Department of Health Promotion and Protection

Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation

This responsibility centre is part of the Department of Health Promotion and Protection and provides an important link between healthy lifestyles and physical activity. Its six regional offices provide services and assistance to the individuals, municipalities and partner organizations that provide Nova Scotians with opportunities to participate in physical activity, sport and recreation activities. Contact regional staff for more information on access to physical activity, sport and recreation resources and government programs.

The following grants are available to community groups including those that serve seniors. Regional staff would be pleased to discuss your needs and assist with the application process.

Recreation Facility Development (RFD) Grants:

These grants help community organizations renovate or build recreation facilities for community use. For example, in 2007, the Pictou Community New Horizon's Club received an RFD grant to assist in expansion of their Seniors’ Centre, including the construction of an extension to allow for low impact fitness equipment and activity.

Regional Development Program:

These grants support the development and implementation of a wide variety of community based initiatives. For example, through this program a seniors’ club in Sackville was assisted to develop exercise programs that introduced participants to tai chi, line dancing, and elderobics. Grants awarded through the Regional Development Program can also help to increase opportunities through increased public awareness, improved capacity and leadership development.

The department also has a Planning Assistance Program through which municipalities and community organizations obtain professional assistance in planning, designing and researching proposed and existing recreation facilities and a Community Recreation Capital Grant Program that can assist with the development of small scale indoor and outdoor capital recreation projects.

The department also supports the Nova Scotia 55+ Games Society with its operations and program delivery.

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For more information, contact:

Department of Health Promotion and Protection

Main and Regional Offices, Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation

Cape Breton

Central

Fundy

Highland

South Shore

Valley

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Recreation Nova Scotia (RNS)

This organization promotes the health benefits of recreation for all Nova Scotians and their communities. Programs and services include an annual conference, liability insurance programs, volunteer and leadership training programs, provincial volunteer week activities, fundraising opportunities, and publications.

For more information, contact:

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Elderobics Association of Nova Scotia

The Elderobics Program of the YMCA is an exercise and education program for older adults. Participants are encouraged to work at their own pace. The program is offered out of 11 sites in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Classes focus on low impact aerobics for cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance including balance exercises and stretching and relaxation.

For more information, contact:

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YMCAs and YWCAs

YMCAs and YWCAs offer a number of healthy lifestyle programs for older adults such as aquafit, seniors swim, 50+ fitness classes, strength training, and yoga. Supervised strength training programs are also available in some locations.

For more information, contact:

YMCA of Cape Breton

YMCA of Cumberland

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth

South Park YMCA

Akerley YMCA

Community YMCA

YMCA of Lunenburg

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Yoga Atlantic

Certified Yoga instructors offer senior-friendly courses throughout the province. Chair Yoga is also offered in some areas. To find an instructor in your area, go to http://www.yogaatlantic.ca. If you do not have access to the Internet, contact the Department of Seniors for this information.

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