Tribal Recreation and Wellness Host Elder Fest

September 2, 2022

Emma Hughes

Community Newsperson

Tribal Recreation & Wellness (TRW) continues to keep the Community active by gradually returning to in-person fitness classes and Community events.

Their latest “Elder Fest” is a series of classes throughout GRIC that provide seniors with physical fitness and wellness education.

Tiffany Boni, Health Educator for Tribal Recreation & Wellness, shared that they faced some challenges when trying to reach the elderly population during the pandemic. 

“With them not being familiar with social media or electronics, it made it a little bit complicated,” said Boni.

“Now that we’re slowly starting to provide services in person, we wanted that to be one of our main goals; to make sure we got out there to service the elderly.”

Held throughout the district service centers in the Community, Elder Fest provides a chance to be social while engaging in games, chair exercises, and learning more about physical and nutritional wellness from TRW staff. 

“I find it very inspiring that they’re having this for the elders,” said District 4 elder Belinda. “It gave me the encouragement to come out and be more active,” She joined Elder Fest with her sister at the District 4 Service Center on Aug. 25.

“The seniors are really enjoying themselves now that they’re able to be in a group-like setting,” said Boni, who provided nutrition education. She noted that their motivation to participate improves around each other. And they often encourage one another during the games, physical exercises and chair components.  

Elders that participate also walk away with increased knowledge for a healthier lifestyle, such as maintaining a healthy diet.  

Visit the “Gila River Wellness Center” on Facebook for upcoming events they have planned in the future.