At 80 years old, Glennis Ferguson is a familiar and friendly face at the Niagara West YMCA, a place she’s called her second home since it opened in 2011.

From aquafit to group exercise classes, Glennis has spent the past 14 years staying active, social, and connected. “I like doing aquafit and talking with the friends I’ve made here,” she says. “We laugh, we share recipes, we sit in the leisure pool after class and talk. You’d be surprised what you learn in the pool.”

For Glennis, the Y is more than a fitness facility. It is a place of connection and purpose.

“When you’re retired, having somewhere to go, something to do, that schedule really helps,” she says. “I come every day for aquafit now. It keeps life interesting. Otherwise, it would be boring.”

Over the years, Glennis has experienced firsthand how movement and community support well-being. Since joining, she’s lost over 60 pounds and kept it off. She remembers a specific moment that marked a turning point in her health: “My grandson had just started walking and we had a baby gate in the kitchen. One day I realized I could step over it. That felt like a real milestone.”

In 2017, Glennis had knee surgery, and her dedication to movement helped her recovery.

“The doctors told me that all the biking and exercises I’d done at the Y made healing so much easier,” she says. “It made a big difference.”

Her commitment to healthy aging is shared by her husband, now 84, who uses the fitness centre three times a week. It’s a family affair in more ways than one. “My daughter, when she was a single mom, brought the kids here to learn to swim.” Glennis shares. “You bring your family here, and you meet your family here. It’s like having two families.”

Glennis doesn’t hesitate when asked what keeps her coming back. “It’s important. It’s hard to find a better word. It’s lifesaving. You’ve got your family, sure, but you need more than that. You need something to keep you moving, to keep you connected. And that’s what the Y gives us.”