Nambour resident Lloyd Baker is rebuilding his strength and confidence through the Brain Body Wellness program at Nambour Aquatic Centre, with support from his daughter Kate, the centre’s Venue Manager.
For Nambour resident Lloyd Baker, living with Parkinson’s disease has brought challenges with mobility, confidence and social isolation. But a new aquatic wellness program is helping him regain his strength, make friends and enjoy a more active life.
Lloyd is one of dozens of people with neurological conditions taking part in the Brain Body Wellness program at Nambour Aquatic Centre, where gentle exercise in a heated indoor pool is combined with music, laughter and social interaction.
Developed in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Dementia Network, the program provides a welcoming and supportive environment for people living with Parkinson’s disease, dementia and similar conditions.
For Lloyd, the benefits have been both physical and emotional. “I feel like I have a safe place to stay active and build connections with people outside of home,” he said.
Helping him along the way is his daughter, Kate Baker, who is also the Venue Manager at Nambour Aquatic Centre.
Working alongside Aqua Instructor Glenn, Kate has supported her father as he participates in gentle water-based exercises designed to improve his mobility and strength.
The results have been encouraging, with Lloyd regaining strength and confidence while enjoying the companionship of others facing similar challenges.
The program’s social atmosphere is an important part of its appeal, with singing, music and laughter helping participants feel comfortable and connected.
For people living with neurological conditions, opportunities to remain physically active and socially engaged can be particularly valuable, especially when reduced mobility makes everyday activities more difficult.
Lloyd’s experience highlights how a familiar community facility such as Nambour Aquatic Centre can provide more than recreation, offering residents a supportive place to improve their wellbeing and build friendships.
Nambour’s Venue Manager Kate Baker said that impact of the initiative was both professional and personal.
“A woman approached me with the idea of creating a space where people with dementia and neurological conditions could come together to exercise, have fun and connect with others facing similar experiences.
“Having a parent with Parkinson’s disease, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable a program like this can be. For my dad, it’s provided a safe place to stay active and build genuine connections beyond the home. We truly believe this is an initiative that is making a real difference.”
Glenn said Brain Body Wellness’ safe and welcoming environment is the key to its success, with attendance continuing to grow as more discover the benefits it provides.
“Beyond the health benefits, Brain Body Wellness has become a place of belonging where our participants build friendships, stay active and maintain important connections within their community.”
The Brain Body Wellness program is held at Nambour Aquatic Centre twice-weekly on Mondays 10am and Friday 1pm. To learn more, visit the Nambour Aquatic Centre website https://www.nambourac.com.au/.