KUCHING: Swimming offers myriad benefits for physical health and is now helping seniors overcome their fear of water through a new programme designed specifically for those aged 60 and above.
Joyce Anyie, the person in charge of the ‘Basic Sports Training Skills: Seniors Swimming’ programme, explained that the initiative aims to cultivate swimming as a healthy activity while providing support for participants to gain confidence in the water.
“One of our main objectives is to help seniors conquer their fear of water through a phased support system.
“We want them to become skilled and comfortable in the water,” she told Sarawak Tribune on Friday (Oct 4) at the Sarawak Youth and Sports Complex.
The programme, held for the first time at the complex, accommodates 40 seniors, divided into two groups of 20 participants each.
She then revealed that each group consists of mixed men and women, ensuring a supportive environment.
“To ensure personalized attention, we have four coaches, with one coach assigned to every five participants. This way, each senior receives the focused guidance they need,” she said.
Joyce also noted that the program promotes swimming as a way to reduce stress and aims to lower the risk of illness among the elderly.
She expressed hope that the initiative will encourage seniors to embrace swimming as a beneficial lifelong activity.
