In Ontario, patty, the most reliable way to find a well-maintained swimming pool is to look for a branch of the YW/YMCA. The Y is non-profit and family-oriented, so the facilities tend to be more durable than luxurious, but every Y I’ve ever been in was/is inclusive, welcoming, and all about fitness for everyone, at every age and ability level. Also, comparatively inexpensive, especially for seniors.

I’m an awkward swimmer, although I won’t drown unless hit on the head before immersion, so I prefer water aerobics (aquafit) to swimming lengths. It’s a great way to put all my limbs through their full range of motion with light to moderate resistance, and I usually get out of the pool with my wonky body parts feeling better than they did when I went in.