Christmas in July event gets old folks moving

The Springs Senior Citizen Club heard jingle bells early this year as they held their third annual Christmas in July event on Friday.

The senior citizens had a day to rejuvenate their spirits while enjoying music and dance sessions.

“The Christmas in July event is a chance for them to socialise, to enjoy nutritious meals and to be entertained,” said the centre manager, Pauline Houghton.

Houghton was a part of the group that showed off their moves on the dance floor during line dancing.

“On Mondays, we have exercise classes and during those we incorporate dancing to keep the senior citizens active.

“The activities we do give them an incentive to get out of bed. It’s very important to stay fit and healthy as you get older,” she added.

The musicians, Terrance Redmond and Natasha O’Reilly sang timeless tunes that got some of the elderly people moving.

“Some aren’t into music but most of them love it. If they don’t want to listen to music, they can sit outside and relax. This event always brings a smile to their faces and it uplifts their spirit,” the chairperson of the club, Ronnie Newby said.

He claimed that he has seen improvements since the event’s debut in 2022 and that it gets better every year.

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Houghton disclosed that approximately 127 senior citizens were catered to, as some were unable to attend for medical reasons.

“Some members are on oxygen or bedridden. In that case, we deliver the meals to them.”

She gave an overview of the club’s weekly events and stressed the value of organising such events for senior citizens.

“Every month, we have Bingo, exercise lessons and crocheting. A few of our members have either lost their spouses or had their families relocate.

“These activities are meant to ensure that they continue to enjoy life and prevent them from feeling lonely,” she continued.