Senior centers around the country are tuning in to the new guidelines for keeping elders healthy by promoting activities aimed at getting seniors exercising and eating well, The Sentinel reports.
Being a caregiver is a full time job and being able to be there for an aging loved one is important to many. However, seniors still relish the time they spend with others their own age, and signing them up to go to a senior center one-day-a-week or more is a way to help ensure they still know they’re independent.
A senior center in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, recently began a set of weekly meetings aimed at showing seniors new forms of exercise – Pilates and even playing ping-pong, as well as what foods to eat to combat certain issues that are common with aging.
“Exercise classes help with strengthening, balance and overall good health.” “Obesity and depression can set in by not moving,” Ann Hinkle, the center’s director told the news outlet. “Everything is to promote healthy living.”
During the program, seniors are able to enjoy learning about new methods of exercising, better eating habits and each others company.
“I think it’s great,” Pat Thomas of Shippensburg told the news source. “It’s just what us older people need.”