|
|
ZUMBA CLASSES FOR SENIORS
We have been speaking with a Zumba instructor who would like to set up classes here at our senior center. Times when she is available that coincide with space availability in our facility are Tuesday and Thursday afternoons between 4-4:30pm and most Saturday mornings between 9-11am. Cost will be approximately $2.00 per class. We would like to begin these classes sometime in February but need to determine the interest in the classes and best times that suit those interested in participating. Please call Jim or Peggy if you are interested in participating. |
IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE FOR SENIORS
|
Recent studies have again restated that the new emphasis on exercise and diet is not just a passing fad. The many benefits to exercise are not questioned for the mainstream population, but focus needs to extend toward the population that includes the upcoming 'old middle-age' group of baby boomers that is now reaching maturity.
As cited in "Get Moving Seniors-Age Is No Excuse". U.S. News and World Report 12 November 2007, approximately 40% of men and women over the age of 70 reports that they do not perform any type of exercise at all. Seniors must become educated about the correlation between health and independent living, especially as we reach and pass the 70-year mark.
Benefits to exercise are not only limited to improved balance, and fall prevention, but also extend to good cardiovascular health, an improved sense of well-being and control over life's many obstacles. In addition, other benefits of exercise include increased bone density, flexibility and continued sharpness of the mind. Exercise has been proven to decrease the risk of dementia and the natural dulling of the mind commonly experienced by elders.
Aerobic exercise is not beyond the capabilities of those over 65 either. Running, walking, swimming and other forms of cardiovascular activities are very beneficial. Maintaining an increased heart rate for at least 45 minutes 4-5 days a week reaps rewards that are frequently overlooked. Blood sugar levels remain in check, cholesterol levels generally drop, and fat levels decrease as metabolism is increased.
It is never too late to begin an exercise program. As always, consult your physician first before starting any new program or diet, he or she may have additional resources or information to help you. The senior center offers Silver Sneakers exercise classes on Tuesday & Thursday at 10-10:45am. In collaboration with the Ware Presbyterian Fitness Center, we now offers classes and programs especially geared to those over 65, as well as assistance by Ware’s Fitness Director, who has been educated in topics unique to seniors, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and other health related conditions.
Contact the Senior Center for more information about our exercise programs. There is too much to lose by not moving and getting started on your own personal fitness plan. So get out there, start exercising, and have the time of your life. |
SILVERSNEAKERS EXERCISE CLASS
|
| The Oxford Area Senior Center
has contracted with Healthways Health Support, LLC to be
a host site for their Fitness Program.
Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a comprehensive
older adults physical activities program that addresses
the needs of the 65+ year old population. Muscular Strength
& Range of Movement is the core class of this Program
and the focus of this creative multi-level conditioning
exercise class.
The Program is normally offered to seniors who contract
with Blue Cross for their health coverage. However, due
to our large membership base and the number of seniors participating
at our Center, we are allowed to offer this beneficial program
to our participants who don't have Blue Cross.
Senior Center membership is not required for individuals 60 and older to participate in the Silver Sneakers class. There is no cost other than a commitment to good health
and well being. Stop in with your friends and try an exercise
session and begin a healthier you.
The name of the game
is "stay healthy"
|
Chair exercise program the promotes flexibility, strength,
balance, coordination and circulation for the body. It is
instructed by Stephanie Daney here at the Center.
Wear comfortable clothing. If you have any questions or
would like more information about the class, please call
the center at 610-932-5244 |
| Day: |
Tuesday and Thursdays |
| Time: |
10:00 - 10:45 am |
| Place: |
Oxford Area Senior Center |
| Cost: |
No fee |
| |
Everyone is invited to attend. |
| |
Senior Center membership
is not required for individuals 60 and older to participate
in the SilverSneakers Exercise programs. There is no
cost to participate. |
AQUATIC FITNESS "SeniorFit"
|
|
In collaboration with Ware Presbyterian Village (WPV), we continue to joingly offer an Aquatic
Fitness program called "SeniorFit". This initiative
allows our participants the use of WPV's Aquatic Fitness Center located across the street from our
Center. Ware's Fitness Directory, Tim Duhe, will design
a program to fit the needs of each individual senior participant.
While there is a small cost to participate in this program,
Ware has agreed to charge our seniors the same fee as residents
of their village. WPV can also be easily accessed by the
Chester County Pennsylvania Rover Transit buses.
The exercise program will focus on the areas that provide
the greatest benefit: Strength, Balance, Flexibility and
Endurance.
|
Tai Chi Classes Now Available |
Through yet another collaborative effort between Ware Presbyterian Village and the Oxford Area Senior Center, we can now offer Tai Chi classes to individuals 60 years of age and older.
These classes are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10-10:30AM in the Ware Aquatic Fitness Center located in the Ware Village.
For more info about Tai Chi, please see the article below.
If you are interested in enjoying the benefits of this exercise class and want to find out costs involved and how to register for these classes, please call Jim or Peggy at the Senior Center. |
| |
The Benefits of Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a comprehensive system developed by the Chinese which combines gentle exercising, meditation, internal martial arts and is aimed to foster preventative health. Tai Chi should be undertaken on a regular basis, as it helps to reduce stress and eliminate tension; its gentle performance calls for a controlled breathing pattern and a full expansion of the lungs. You are supposed to stand with a relaxed and somewhat sunken form which will help to foster stability and balance. When you align your head, neck and spine correctly you will not experience too much tension and be fully stable. As you become more accustomed to this practice, you will be aware of a significant release of tension throughout the body.
All of these findings have been backed up by clinical studies, as practitioners have been shown to be under control and reduce the symptoms of chronic and long-term conditions. Those who suffer from heart issues have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and their blood pressure. Those suffering from diabetes exhibit lower blood sugar levels and significantly increased levels of energy after just six months of practice. Even more studies indicate that this can help reduce back pain and the incidence of falls and fractures among those who would otherwise be prone to them.
|
| HOW DO I GET STARTED? |
| Stop by the Senior Center and speak to our Executive Director and he will describe our arrangements regarding the Aquatic Fitness Center at Ware Village. |
| |
| HOW MUCH WILL THE PROGRAM
COST? |
| You need to be a member of the
Oxford Senior Center to do the following. The annual membership
is $15.
There are various options for SeniorFIT membership:
One option offers a 12-month membership of $300 is due
in full once you have started the program. This includes
the cost of the initial fitness assessment.
Another option offers a month-by-month membership of
$28 is due each month. This does not include the cost
of the initial fitness assessment of $40, which will be
added to your first month's charge once you have started
the program.
In terms of how much the program will benefit your health,
the cost cannot be measured!
|
| WHERE AND WHEN CAN I PARTICIPATE? |
The Aquatic Fitness Center is located
on the first floor (street level) of Steward Place at Ware
Presbyterian Village, 7 East Locust Street, Oxford, Pennsylvania
Ware's Aquatic Fitness Center Hours |
| Monday-Wednesday-Friday |
8 am to 3:30 pm |
|
| Tuesday & Thursday |
8 am to 4:30 pm |
| Saturday |
9 am - 12 pm |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
