| Senior years bring new health and fitness concerns, which can be easily addressed. You can ask your medical provider specific questions, and then surf the web to find some helpful senior sites. Consider attending senior fitness classes at your nearby community or fitness center, or practice at-home instructional audiotapes or videos for wellness, in the privacy of your home.
Informative Senior Wellness sites abound on the web. See: www.cbshealthwatch.medscape.com/seniorhealthcenter for many articles on a wide range of subjects, such as diabetes, asthma, chronic lung disease, obesity and weight loss. You will also find information on the goals, effects and hazards of exercise, what is recommended for seniors (low impact aerobics), how to strengthen muscle mass, range-of-motion, and the benefits of exercise on specific disease, such as osteoporosis.
If you want a strictly medical approach to aging, then go to Medline Plus Health Information at: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seniorshealthgeneral.html. While there you will be able to access information on the latest trials, and everything medical. Http://seniorhealth.about.com offers articles on a variety of needful subjects, forums, chat and a newsletter. Www.seniorswellness.com gives you “up-to-date health and wellness information for seniors and their caregivers,” while www.seniorsites.com lists over 5,000 non-profit housing and services for seniors.
For fitness, many local gyms and community centers accommodate the senior population. Try the Silver Sneakers classes offered M-F at Olympic Fitness Club (360-871-3433), in Port Orchard, or their Fitness Yoga class for seniors, offered four days a week. Beginning February 5, Deborah Marcantoni, CHTP (360-874-1209), will offer Tai Chi for Arthritis and Energetic Self-Care for Seniors, on Tuesdays.
The Bremerton Health and Racquet Club (360-377-9051), caters to the older population. They offer Swim Hours, Exercise Classes for Adults and Web Access on each bicycle and treadmill.
Silverdale Fitness (360-698-2264) offers Senior Aerobic Classes. In Poulsbo, try the Low Impact Aerobics or Tap Dance Classes offered at Armstrong Fitness University (360-697-4296). Also in Poulsbo is the Poulsbo Athletic Club (360-779-3285). Preferred by many are the Silver Sneakers Regular and Cardio Classes offered 5 days a week and their fun Senior Splash. For the Splash, exercise in the water, under direction, for 45 minutes during each class.
If you prefer a slower pace to your fitness, then consider taking Yoga classes at a nearby Community Center (360-337-5743). Many different kinds of Yoga classes are offered, from Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Women’s Blessing Yoga, lead by Diane Bunting at Givens Community Center at Port Orchard. Ring your nearby community center to explore their full schedule of adult classes (included dance!) located in Port Orchard, Silverdale and Kingston.
If you prefer to develop your wellness in the privacy of your own home, then consider the following videos: Carol Dickman’s Seated Yoga and Bed Top Yoga. These are a must-have for all seniors, and those with disability. Also worthy is Charlene Torkelson’s Get Fit While You Sit. A simple book, Ms. Torkelson directs you through low impact, chair and lightweight workouts that can be done at home, while traveling or at a desk. Also consider listening to the Health Journeys Guided Imagery Audiotapes, (800-800-8661 or go to www.healthjourneys.com).
Psychotherapist Belleruth Naparstek offers tapes on a wide range of subjects. You can choose from: General Wellness, Weight Loss, Stop Smoking, Alcohol and Drug Recovery, Relieve Stress, Ease Grief, Fight Cancer, Control Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, and so much more! Call for more information. |
