A fitness program designed for older adults is coming to the Town of Essex this spring.

Ageless Grace, a cutting-edge brain fitness program, was developed by Denise Medved. The program activates all five functions of the brain: analytic, strategic, kinesthetic, learning, and memory. The program also targets 21 physical skills needed for longevity of body and mind. Each low-intensity exercise is designed to be performed in a chair.

The classes will be taught by Tanis Jaques, a local fitness instructor and certified Ageless Grace Educator.

“I’m really passionate about body and brain health, especially since my father-in-law was recently diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s and we’ve seen a rapid decline in his abilities and health,” Jaques said. “People that are aging become more and more concerned about cognitive decline over anything else. Back in the day it used to be heart disease, it used to be cancer, but now people are really concerned about their cognitive decline and having the right tools and the right information to try to ensure that that doesn’t happen to them or their loved ones.”

“This program demonstrates that our recreational offerings aren’t just for kids and young adults,” said Doug Sweet, Director of Community Services. “In the Town of Essex, we encourage our residents to participate throughout their lives to maintain physical and mental health.”

Jaques will run a seven week session this spring (April 30 to June 11) and a nine week session this summer (July 2 to August 27) at the Essex Community Centre (25 Gosfield Townline West, Essex Centre) on Tuesdays from 11:15am until 12:15pm. The cost to participate is $63 for seven weeks, $81 for nine weeks, or $12 to drop in.

Space is limited, and participants can register by calling 519-776-8992 or searching “Ageless” at www.essexconnect.ca