Helping seniors stay strong, balanced and limber
When Carol Swope retired a few years ago, she said, her doctor told her to stay active and not just sit around the house.
Swope, 69, took that advice to heart. She and her husband, Jess, have been regulars the last three years at the Young at Heart exercise class held Mondays and Wednesday at the Modesto Senior Citizens Center.
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“It’s really good exercise for us,” said 70-year-old Jess Swope. The Swopes said the class has made them stronger, more flexible and improved their balance. Carol Swope said she fell a couple of times about four years ago but has not fallen since, which she attributes to the classes. The Swopes also like that the classes are geared toward seniors of all abilities and the price is hard to beat – a suggested donation of $1 or $2 a week.
The Modesto-based Healthy Aging Association operates Young at Heart exercise classes at more than two dozen locations in Stanislaus County and in Ripon, according to its website. The association’s other offerings include aerobics, a walking class at Vintage Faire Mall, and eight-week class to improve balance and help prevent falls, and nutrition programs.
The association serves slightly more than 1,500 seniors, according to Kim Viviano, the association’s health and wellness director. She said that’s about double from when she started with the nonprofit organization a decade ago.
Viviano said the classes help seniors lead healthier and more active lives. She said often seniors show up 20 to 30 minutes before class starts to chat with one another. She said that socialization is important, especially for seniors who may otherwise be isolated. She said the seniors check up on other seniors who miss classes to make sure they are OK.
“It keeps me limber. It keeps me going,” said 77-year-old Faith Knight, who said she has been coming to the Young at Heart classes for about five years. “The people are fun. The instructors make it fun.”
About the agency
Helping older Americans live longer, healthier, more independent lives by promoting increased physical activity and sound health and nutrition practices.
Program list
Young at Heart Group Fitness classes, Green Bag – “Go Green for Seniors,” A Matter of Balance, health and nutrition education, and fall prevention education and outreach
Funding needs
Funds will help support supplies for all programs.
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This story was originally published November 19, 2016 at 11:30 PM with the headline "Helping seniors stay strong, balanced and limber."