Monday mornings at Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) are filled with music and movement as residents gather for a chair exercise class that has become a weekly highlight.
Behind the popular sessions are dedicated volunteers Sheryl Emmet (69) and Yvonne Butts (78), whose years of service have touched the lives of countless residents.
Sheryl, an Edenvale resident, has been leading exercise classes at Rand Aid’s Elphin Lodge Retirement Village for around 25 years. She later began volunteering at RSCC, where she now presents the popular Monday chair exercise classes.
Yvonne, who moved to Rand Aid’s Tarentaal Retirement Village in December 2018, began volunteering at RSCC early the following year after learning volunteers were needed to take residents in wheelchairs for walks through the gardens.
“I had retired that year and realised that if I was coming to a place like this, I had to have something meaningful to do. It has been such a blessing,” says Yvonne.
Occupational therapy and recreation manager Simoné Botha says the pair’s commitment has become invaluable to the care centre. “Their exercise classes are always full because they create such an enjoyable, welcoming atmosphere.”
Simoné says opportunities for social interaction and physical activity are essential in a care centre environment.
“Regular exercise helps residents maintain strength, balance and mobility, while reducing the risk of falls and supporting their overall health. Equally important is the social aspect. Activities that bring residents together help reduce loneliness and stimulate the mind, encourage friendships and give people something to look forward to.”
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the volunteers regularly took residents on outings through the retirement village gardens, enjoying ice lollies at the dam, organising tea parties, croquet, golf, braais and puzzle activities. They even knew which residents loved particular flowers and where the best roses bloomed.
Today, their focus is on chair exercise sessions held every Monday at 11:00 in the recreation centre.
“The residents absolutely love it. They are so appreciative,” says Yvonne. “There is music, and everyone has lots of fun. Sheryl is such a lively instructor. We always have a good giggle.”
Gentle movement for everyone
Drawing on her background in ballet, tap, modern dance and aerobics, Sheryl designs sessions that cater for residents of varying abilities.
“Chair exercises are ideal for people who don’t have good balance. You can still do aerobic movements while seated, along with balance work, arm and leg exercises and twisting movements. I always joke that we’ll get your waist ready for summer – while sitting down.”
She also shares simple wellness tips during each session, encouraging residents to open their windows for fresh air, stay hydrated and make an effort to interact with fellow residents and staff.
“The residents see a whole different part of life. They are not just surrounded by nurses and carers.”
Yvonne’s volunteer work extends beyond the exercise classes. She regularly visits residents, including village residents receiving recuperative care at RSCC, spending time listening to their stories and simply offering companionship. “There is so much value in just sitting and talking with someone.”
Both women have witnessed remarkable changes in residents who participate regularly. Sheryl recalls one resident who moved into frail care after suffering a fall and had all but given up. “She had lost her spark. Then she started coming to the exercise classes, and it completely reinvigorated her spirit. Now she does every exercise.”
For Sheryl, seeing residents regain confidence and independence is the greatest reward. “If someone who has had a stroke manages to move a leg again, or someone stands up and achieves something they didn’t think they could, it’s incredibly rewarding. When they leave with smiles on their faces, that’s my reward. We’ve seen so many success stories.”
She believes the benefits of staying active are evident. “You can see the difference between residents who come to the exercise classes and those who don’t stay active after moving into the care centre.”
The classes also provide continuity for some former retirement village residents who have since moved into frail care because of declining health. “They still come along to exercise, and it’s wonderful to see them remain part of the group,” says Sheryl.
Both volunteers agree that while they may give their time freely, they receive just as much in return. “It gives you purpose,” says Yvonne.
Elphin Lodge resident Rona Shain (89), who has lived at the retirement village for 15 years, said Sheryl’s enthusiasm has made a lasting impression. “Her classes are excellent because they work the whole body. She is such a lovely person who always goes the extra mile.”
