This morning we went to the Bayside Community Center and joined in on the Zumba session taking place. It was a bit rainy, so not as many elder folks were able to make it. Regardless, it was wonderful to see all the older adults dancing along to the fun beats and getting their daily exercise in. After about half an hour, I was out of breath and tired, but the adults were still pumped and ready for more. I was so surprised at how well most of these older adults were able to keep up with the fast pace of Zumba. Most importantly, you could see on their faces how much fun they were having while getting their physical activity.
I conversed briefly with two older adults during our water break and shortly after Zumba ended. Both expressed how pleased they were that our group was able to join their Zumba session today and how it truly brightened up their day. One of the adults even asked if we were going to be returning next week. Even though it broke my heart to tell her that we were not coming back next week, it made me realize how much I value these small interactions with older folks. I did not have a chance to talk to all of the older adults who did Zumba, but I felt slightly closer and connected to them from doing this fun activity together and sharing some moments of joy and laughter. At the end of class, I was really excited to hear that we would be returning to Bayside Community Center next quarter to interact with more folks and have a potluck. I am looking forward to that day and reuniting with the lovely two ladies I was able to share a few words with today.
I conversed briefly with two older adults during our water break and shortly after Zumba ended. Both expressed how pleased they were that our group was able to join their Zumba session today and how it truly brightened up their day. One of the adults even asked if we were going to be returning next week. Even though it broke my heart to tell her that we were not coming back next week, it made me realize how much I value these small interactions with older folks. I did not have a chance to talk to all of the older adults who did Zumba, but I felt slightly closer and connected to them from doing this fun activity together and sharing some moments of joy and laughter. At the end of class, I was really excited to hear that we would be returning to Bayside Community Center next quarter to interact with more folks and have a potluck. I am looking forward to that day and reuniting with the lovely two ladies I was able to share a few words with today.