From Swimming to Social Circles, Wellness Goals Are Supported

In a recent conversation, Yvonne Ellerbee-Moore of Durham, NC, reveals how she’s using the activity benefit administered by Grouper to dive into new experiences and stay active with Durham Parks & Recreation in Durham, North Carolina.

Through a range of programs at Durham Parks & Rec – like exercise, line dancing, and senior trips – Yvonne is discovering new activities, building meaningful connections, and embracing a balanced, active lifestyle in retirement. Yvonne’s story reflects how Grouper’s support helps her pursue health and wellness goals affordably while connecting with her community in fulfilling ways.

Yvonne, where do you live? 

I’m in Durham, North Carolina. I’ve been in Durham for quite a few years. I’m originally from New York, but I’ve lived in the Carolinas for over 30 years. I lived in Charlotte prior to Durham. 

What prompted you to get involved with Durham Parks & Recreation? 

I have been a member for about one year. I actually started going because I’m going into my second year of retirement. Prior to retiring, I constructed a bucket list. One of the things on my bucket list was a volunteer list, which I did, and I also wanted to take swimming lessons. My friend in Charlotte said, “Have you looked into the Parks & Recreation department for that, they probably have one in Durham.” I looked up Durham Parks & Rec and saw they had swimming lessons. From there, I was intrigued, and at that point I didn’t even know all of the other things they had to offer. 

Tell me about the Durham Parks and Rec – what activities do you use it for?

I’ll tell anybody who will listen how Durham Parks & Rec has so many good programs, especially for seniors. I was very impressed. I still do swimming lessons off and on. I still go and practice. I do an exercise class that’s geared for seniors, twice a week. And I just did a crochet class for two months. I also do line dancing. I took a healthy eating class. I take some senior trips, next week we go to a local restaurant. Two weeks ago I went to the state fair with our senior group. Prior to that, we went to a vineyard, we picked grapes and did some wine tasting. I play cards. I’m thinking about joining women’s weight lifting, or I may do yoga.

As a Grouper member, how important is it for you to have some of these activities covered by your health plan? 

It makes me want to be more health conscious. I appreciate it – any help is a help. 

You mentioned retirement – how important is it for you to stay active in retirement?

I worked in the financial field. It’s extremely important to stay active after retirement. I’ll take it even further, it helped me find a purpose. I travel, but traveling is expensive. When you’re retired, and you’re on a fixed income, you’re kind of shell-shocked about your income and adjustments have to be made. So you try to find your purpose and find things that keep you active that aren’t costly, and for me, Grouper helps me with my purpose and so does Durham Parks & Rec – not to get bored and to stay active during my retirement years. 

What are the benefits of the social connection you’re experiencing by participating in these activities?

I’ve met good people. I’m having lunch with someone from a different Parks & Rec within Durham, not necessarily mine. We talk outside of the activities. Just the social circle I’ve developed is an enhancement to my life. Some people like to be by themselves, but to me, we had enough time by ourselves during COVID. That was enough for me. I get it, I like my space, but I need to be around people, too. It’s there if you want it, you have that option. 

How has joining Parks & Recreation opened new doors for you in retirement?

I went to learn to swim. But when I learned they had so many other things to offer, I approached it with an open mind and one thing led to another. Certain things I never expected to do or like, have now become a habit for me, and if I miss a class or am on a break, I miss the people.

To learn more about Durham Parks & Rec, visit  its website here.