Letter: Resident berates bad form on senior discounts

I would like to take this opportunity to compliment the board and CEO of Finlandia Village for opening their doors to seniors 55 and older to the senior fitness and wellness centre.

As I read the article in the Jan.7 issue of Northern Life, “Gym caters to older adults,” I was delighted to see their gym encouraging seniors to be active and promoting fitness and health.

Contrary to my surprise, when I returned to the gym I frequent, which is city owned and operated, I was faced with a letter stating that senior discounts will no longer be applicable to persons 55 and older, but moved up to 65 and older effective January 2016.

That’s right, our greater city personnel have probably discouraged a few of our seniors on fixed incomes to attend the gym because of the higher cost of membership fees.

Maybe the people involved in this decision need to reassess this and look at the big picture, and not just the immediate revenues.

By keeping seniors 55 and older healthier and more active, this would probably remove some strain on our health-care system.

The Community Care Access Centre has been overwhelmed with seniors not being able to stay in their homes because of health issues.

By being healthier and having more muscle tone and flexibility, some slips and falls might not be as serious or detrimental on seniors.

Give the seniors a break on membership fees by allowing them to stay fit and healthy at an earlier age of 55 so that it pays off in the long run.

Gaston Rheaume
Chelmsford