Today, we're thrilled to talk with two remarkable women who have dubbed themselves the Mermaids. From morning swims to community events, the Mermaids demonstrate how engagement, community, and belonging shape lifelong health and wellness. Get ready to laugh, enjoy, and discover how this group of swimmers makes every splash count, proving that age is just a number when you’re young at heart.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:08] Introduction of guests and description of The Mermaids

• [3:22] Chris describes what the Mermaids are to her

• [5:17] Carolyn shares how she was introduced to the Mermaids and refers to her friendships. Chris describes the activities they do at the Y

• [8:40] How the group was founded and how men and women participate. Most attendees are retired, and the Y is an excellent place to meet people

• [13:48] Chris and Carolyn describe a typical day at the Y

• [17:09] The camaraderie benefits mental health. The activity strengthens you physically

• [21:59] The guests tell how they volunteered at the Y, the programs and events that are upcoming and advice they would give to anyone who needs to stay active

• [25:30] The importance of welcoming people and learning their names, and the guests give prompts to individual Y employees

• [30:25] Carolyn and Chris talk about how they became aware of the Y

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [3:23] The Mermaids provide more than water aerobics. It is a time when people can interact with each other and develop new friendships

• [7:29] Swimming is not a prerequisite for attending a Mermaids class. If you can stand in the water, you can participate

• [9:05] The Mermaids have men attend, and they are called Mermen and attend the monthly lunches with the women.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Volunteer at the YMCA

YMCA Atlanta - Adult Sports

YMCA Atlanta - Youth Sports

BIOGRAPHIES:

Chris Higgins has been a member of the Y since 2013. After growing up in Syracuse, New York, she lived overseas in Germany for a year following her marriage to Mike. She and Mike lived in a variety of U.S. cities, including three years in Kwajalein- one of the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific. Chris and her husband have two children, Patrick and Amanda, and they have two grandchildren, Maggie and Connor.

Carolyn Millender has been a Northwest Cobb Family YMCA member since 2009. She is the mother of two daughters who come to the Y four days a week. While she is retired, she is an active volunteer with Must Ministries.