Seniors Dive into Ocean Awareness with Beach Aerobics for World Food Day

Seniors from across St. Kitts took part in a lively and educational event at Frigate Bay Beach on Tuesday, 15th October 2024, in celebration of World Food Day. The initiative, titled “World Food Day Beach Aerobics,” aimed to raise awareness about the vital role of the ocean as a source of food and nutrition, while also promoting physical fitness among older adults.

The event, a collaboration between the Department of Marine Resources and the Department of Youth Empowerment, Ageing, and Disabilities, brought together seniors for a unique combination of exercise and ocean education. Participants engaged in a series of guided aerobics exercises along the beach, encouraging physical mobility, mental well-being, and community bonding. 

The core message of the day, however, was the importance of marine ecosystems in supporting both local and global nutrition. 

Maritza Queeley, Chair of the 2024 World Food Day Committee and Port Control Officer from the Department of Marine Resources, used the opportunity to speak to the group about the ocean’s critical role in providing essential food resources.

Queeley explained the significance of seafood in a healthy diet, highlighting the wealth of nutrients found in fish and marine life, including proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins that are particularly beneficial for older adults. She also addressed the environmental threats to marine ecosystems, such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change, underscoring the need for sustainable practices to protect these resources for future generations.

The educational session concluded with an invitation to the seniors to attend a Fish Fry and Seafood Competition at the Old Road Fisheries Depot today, Friday, 18th October. The event will celebrate local seafood while reinforcing the health benefits of a diet rich in marine resources.

As the event wrapped up, participants reflected on the health advantages of including seafood in their diet, discussing its positive impact on heart health, cognitive function, and joint mobility—all crucial factors in healthy aging. The World Food Day Beach Aerobics initiative successfully combined fitness, education, and community spirit, leaving the seniors better informed about the ocean’s role in promoting long-term health and well-being.