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Home Blog Making Waves: Bill’s Inspiring Journey to Learning to Swim at 80
March 07, 2025

Making Waves: Bill’s Inspiring Journey to Learning to Swim at 80

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At Delmanor West Village, our LivingWell Coaching Program offers residents the chance to stay active, engaged, and successful on their wellness journey. Whether it’s building strength, improving balance, recovering from surgery, or learning a new skill, we have the resources to support you. Our personalized approach to wellness ensures every resident has the opportunity to thrive. 

One inspiring example of the program’s impact is Bill, who is taking on the challenge of learning to swim in his 80s through one-on-one coaching sessions. 

Bill has called Delmanor West Village home for over four and a half years. In an interview, he shared that he was drawn to the community the moment he stepped through the door. After working for 16 years in real estate, Bill knew the feeling of a building being “the one”—and Delmanor West Village gave him just that.  

One day, while walking through the courtyard, Bill noticed a coach in the pool, which surprised him because he hadn’t seen any staff member in the pool during his time at Delmanor. Excited, he introduced himself to the coach, who turned out to be a LivingWell Coach. The two hit it off, and Bill began training with her soon after. Reflecting on their sessions, Bill says,

I’m always learning something new, and we’re always laughing and joking. Our personalities just work really well together.

When asked about his past experience with swimming, Bill shared,

I’ve never swum before. I tried once, and it didn’t go well. After that, I felt uncomfortable in the water. But since I started training with my coach, my confidence in the water has grown. Now, I can float on my front and back, and I can swim the entire length of the pool both ways!

At Delmanor West Village, we strive to foster a positive and encouraging atmosphere that makes it easy for residents to get involved. Bill’s advice for anyone considering a move into a retirement home is simple:

Try every activity at least once. It’ll help you figure out what you enjoy, and you can create a plan and schedule that works for you. 

Bill’s journey is just one of many that highlight the incredible impact of the LivingWell Coaching Program at Delmanor. Whether it’s learning to swim, improving balance, or reaching a personal goal, our coaches are here to help residents live life to the fullest. 

For more information about one-on-one coaching, speak with the Delmanor LivingWell Manager at your location. The team is always happy to assist! 

Written By: Shaquelle Thomas, Registered Kinesiologist and LivingWell Coordinator at Delmanor West Village

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