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How this Kelowna resident reclaimed his health and sense of purpose after retirement

Most of us dream of the retired life, when the days of clocking in by 8 a.m. are a thing of the past and we can sit back, relax and spend our time however we please.

But what many of us don’t realize is that the transition from working everyday to being retired isn’t always a walk in the park — especially for those who enjoyed their careers and the busyness that they brought. Actually, it can leave you feeling a little lost.

This is how Dennis felt when he not only began transitioning into retirement, but made a move to Kelowna at the same time.

“Kitimat had 8,000 people in it, and you work with those 8,000 people. You know everyone,” said Dennis. “But then you move, and you wander around the town for weeks without seeing a familiar face. It is quite a lifestyle change, a big flick of a switch.”

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>Dennis

Dennis spent 18 years in Kitimat where he worked as a Change Agent in charge of training and support for the large aluminum smelter.

“It was always a lot of hours,” said Dennis. “It was fun, but it was busy. But I loved it! I’ve always been on the go.”

Dennis suddenly had a lot more time on his hands, and without his friends and community, he wasn’t sure how to spend it. The things that had brought purpose to his everyday life were missing.

“When I retired, I felt lost because of the lifestyle change and I didn’t know what to do. I just went for walks and hung around aimlessly,” said Dennis. “All of a sudden I was asking myself, ‘what am I going to do today?’”

On top of a lost sense of purpose, Dennis felt like he had lost some control of his health — these things often go hand-in-hand. Then one day, his daughter convinced him to try out the YMCA of Okanagan.

“I used to swim a lot, so at first I only came to the Y to use the swimming pool. From there, I started working out in the gym,” said Dennis, who was still working out of town as a consultant part-time.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

It was when Dennis fully retired and began visiting the Kelowna Family YMCA on a regular basis, however, that things really started to change.

“In my second year at the YMCA, one of my acquaintances talked me into participating in a group strength class. I was immediately hooked — the energy and motivation of the instructor is what I needed to move myself forward to the next step,” said Dennis.

Dennis has now tried every class at the YMCA, and while he enjoys many of them, the group strength class is his favourite. “The class is very structured, but within that structure you can push yourself to the limit you want to push yourself to,” said Dennis, “The instructors are also great at making sure you have the right posture and are doing the exercises properly.”

Not only was Dennis getting his health back in check, but he was forming relationships and making connections in his new city — he even took back up an old hobby when he found out that his group strength class instructor was a coach for Kelowna’s senior dragon boat team.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

“I was recruited to the team and I now have a whole new circle friends,” said Dennis. “With time, you get to know more and more people. Now I think, I probably come to see the people just as much as I do for the exercise. I guess, it becomes your community.”

It’s been two years since Dennis first started attending the YMCA, and at the age of 64, he feels better than ever. He is not only halfway to his goal weight (he has lost 37 lbs in the last four months), but he has made many friends and is part of a supportive community.

“I think there comes a time in your life when you know you are getting on in age, and you need to start looking after yourself,” said Dennis. “You are as young as you want to be. At the end of the day, you can decide that you are old and you don’t want to do anything, or you can start doing something about it.”

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

“If you’re new or from out of town, and want to get into a healthier lifestyle, the YMCA is a great place to start,” added Dennis. “It’s a good stepping stone. There are a multitude of things you can try, from personal training to group exercising, to community pickleball, to just going down to the sauna or hot tub.”

“It won’t happen overnight, but before you know it, you can be young again. Your attitude and your outlook change everything.”

If Dennis’ story sounds familiar, remember that you’re not alone. Whether you feel lonely and isolated, like you have lost a sense of purpose, or like your health isn’t where you'd like it to be, there are people, programs and supportive communities ready to help.

The YMCA of Okanagan is more than your average gym, it is a charity dedicated to building a healthier community. Try it out with one week free trial and see for yourself all of the benefits the Y has to offer. Memberships to all three locations provide access to a supportive community, group fitness classes, aquatics and modern equipment for all ability levels. See how the Y can help you stay healthy and connected at ymcaokanagan.ca


The YMCA of Okanagan was established over 30 years ago as a cause-driven charity with a mission dedicated to building healthy individuals and communities. They provide a wide range of programs and services with a focus on inclusiveness and accessibility, serving people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through all stages of life.

NowMedia sponsored content is written and posted in partnership with participating businesses. While NowMedia retains editorial control of sponsored content, the content is created in collaboration with the sponsor.



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