The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL) conducted the Fresh & Fit 60: Health and Wellness Training for Senior Citizens held at Bakal II, Talavera, Nueva Ecija on October 8-10, 2024.
This training aimed to equip the participants with knowledge, skills, and attitude for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which is beneficial in keeping their body and mind in shape.
The training started with Hon. Dario C. Tomas, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture of Brgy. Bakal II warmly welcomed the guests and participants in their community and encouraged everyone to participate in the plans and programs of the LGU for Senior Citizens.
Mrs. Virginia A. Leandro, OIC-Municipal Agriculturist of LGU Talavera, Nueva Ecija, delivered an inspirational message, and she congratulated the members of the group on keeping their Gulayan sa Barangay productive and maintaining the active participation of each member.
Ms. Leandro also extended her gratitude to ATI-CL for always providing support with the needs of the group despite the challenges.
Additionally, Hon. Reden S. Perez, Brgy. Chairman of Bakal II, delivered a message of gratitude to ATI-CL for the continued support and dedication to help the senior citizens of their community and the participants, who, despite their age, are actively participating on the initiative of the government.
He also reiterated that the national and local governments are really making an effort to provide them with the support and services they need to nurture their contributions in society.
On the first day of the training, the participants were able to learn about urban agriculture and the basic occupational safety and health in agriculture presented by Engr. Rannel S. Cruz.
This is to make them aware of the techniques and technologies in farming and the ways to avoid hazards in their gardens for a more SC-friendly urban garden.
Ms. Susan A. Mirasol, an instructor, discussed the importance, benefits, and limitations of physical workouts among elderly people and shared some ideas on how to perform simple chair exercises and stretching that can be done in their homes.
After the discussion, the participants encouraged them to practice simple workouts, which they actively participated in and enjoyed.
Meanwhile, the continuation of the training was facilitated by Ms. Laarni C. Quintas, who discussed Health and Nutrition in Agriculture for Senior Citizens.
In this session, the participants learned the dos and don'ts of farming, the benefits of farming to their health, and the different nutrients in some fruits and vegetables that can help them stay healthy.
Moreover, the participants were tasked with making different fruits and vegetables blended juice with different combinations to create an exciting taste and healthy beverage for themselves.
