YMCA to host Senior Health and Fitness Day May 30
By Santa Ynez Valley Star Staff · Tue Mar 17 2020
Staff Report
The Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA will host Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 30 from 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in celebration of Older Americans Month. All community seniors are welcome to visit the YMCA. Participants will receive a Free Guest Pass for the whole day.
The event will begin with Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Mobile Health Screening provided by Santa Barbara’s Diabetes Research Institute and Active Older Adult Fitness Assessments. DPP screenings welcome walk-ins, but seniors should reserve a space by May 29 for Fitness Assessments.
At 10:45 a.m., the YMCA will host Functional Fitness and Prime Fitness (geared toward more a more vigorous workout) classes. The event will end with a potluck and drawing prizes.
May is Older Americans Month and the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA is emphasizing the importance of being active and involved, no matter where you are in life. Santa Ynez residents are encouraged to “Engage at Every Age,” developing behaviors that are crucial to healthy aging, including healthy eating, increasing physical activity and social interaction—especially those adults over 50.
Adults 50 years and older currently make up more than 30 percent of the U.S. population, and will soon represent 45 percent of all Americans. Here in Santa Ynez, adults 50 and older make up at least 34 percent of the population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that adults 50 and older have a 70 percent chance of developing at least one chronic disease. While these numbers seem daunting, the good news is that making small lifestyle changes that include increasing physical activity, eating healthier and staying active socially can help older adults live better.
“You are never too old (or too young) to participate in activities that can enrich your physical, mental and emotional well-being,” said Nicki Marmelzat, Health and Wellness Director, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA. “If you need help, support or just a place to get started, community-based organizations like the Y provide the needed guidance to help older adults thrive.”
Health for Older Adults Year-Round at Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA
While the CDC recommends that older adults get a minimum 30 minutes of moderate exercise or strength training per day, less than one out of three of American’s 65 and older meet these guidelines. The Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA is committed to offering opportunities to stay active and connected for older adults year-round. On the last Wednesday of every month, the YMCA hosts a potluck for senior members. The YMCA is also implementing a new Diabetes Prevention Program. Seniors can learn more about this at ciymca.org/stuartgildred/activities/preventt2-diabetes-prevention-program/. Seniors can also find a full list of programs at ciymca.org/stuartgildred/activities/senior-fitness/.
Additionally, the Y offers the following tips on how to jump-start your healthy-living routine: