WHITE PLAINS, NY — Tap dancing, gentle tai chi exercises, lap swimming and low-impact aerobics are just some of the free activities that will take place across 17 municipalities in honor of National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 25, Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced today.
“Fitness is essential for anyone who wants to live a healthy life and remain active in the community,” Astorino said. “I encourage residents to get out and enjoy these programs, which will be just as educational as they are fun.”
The programs are free and open to county residents who are 60 years or older, but programs in some communities require seniors to register and/or be a resident to take part.
National Senior Health and Fitness Day always takes place in May in honor of Older Americans Month. It is organized nationwide as a public/private partnership by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national information clearinghouse for the older adult market. The Westchester programs are organized by the county’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) and its Health and Wellness Collaborative, which is composed of 20 community organizations.
DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said that National Senior Health and Fitness Day gives seniors an opportunity to try a new exercise or fitness class, learn about new health and wellness programs, and have fun.
“Exercise helps to keep you fit, and when you’re in shape you can remain independent longer,” Carpenter said. “Being in shape is also important because it can also help to prevent falls.”
Below is a list of sessions that will be taking place. Interested seniors should call each location directly to learn its address, the times and how to register. The locations and their telephone numbers can also be found at www.westchestergov.com/seniors.
2016 National Senior Health & Fitness Day Locations:
· Eastchester/Lake Isle Senior Center: (914) 337-0390. Tap dancing, drawing, games, cards, Medicare update, exercises.
· Dobbs Ferry/Embassy Club: (914) 693-7792. Morning exercise, healthy lunch raffle and prizes.
· Greenburgh/Theodore Young Community Center: (914) 989-3600. Line dancing, exercise, healthy lunch and prizes.
· Town of Mamaroneck Senior Center: (914) 834-8840. Dancercise, nutrition presentation by DSPS registered dietitian nutritionist, Kathy Santoro, “Stay Strong and Fit” exercise class, bocce games, healthy lunch and snacks.
· Mount Kisco Senior Nutrition Program: (914) 666-8931. Tai chi and blood pressure screening.
· Mount Pleasant Community Center/Phelps Hospital and the Town of Mt. Pleasant. NYS Citizen Preparedness Training, nutrition and cooking demonstration, line dancing, spirituality, lunch and music appreciation. RSVP to Ellen Woods (914) 366-3937, ewoods@pmhc.us.
· Mount Vernon Armory Senior Center: (914) 665-2315. Free exercise classes, info on living a healthy lifestyle, healthy lunch, snacks and prizes.
· New Castle Parks & Recreation: (914) 238-8888. “It’s Your Move to Better Health,” strength and balance fitness class, healthy lunch and Qi Gong.
· New Rochelle/Hugh A. Doyle Senor Center: (914) 235-2363. Stay Fit and Strong exercise class, healthy lunch, nutrition presentation with DSPS registered dietitian nutritionist, Antonella Caggiano, Stretch, Breathe & Meditate class, natural spa, facials and relaxation.
· Ossining Senior Center: (914) 762-1350. Brain fitness, group walk, low impact aerobics, blood pressure screening, healthy lunch, healthy snack Bingo.
· Peekskill Senior Center: (914) 734-4250. Quilters Club, “The Workout” with Geri, outside fitness walk and healthy lunch.
· Port Chester Senior Center: (914) 939-4975. Walking in Lyons Park, healthy lunch, nutrition presentation with DSPS registered dietitian nutritionist, Kathy Santoro, and chair exercise program.
· Rye Brook / HealthSource of Rye Brook (914) 934-2000. Complimentary blood pressure screenings, 5-10 minute therapeutic medical massage and body fat analysis.
· Somers Nutrition Program: (914) 232-0807. Seated yoga class, nutrition presentation by DSPS registered dietitian nutritionist, Theresa George, healthy lunch, outside fitness walk and raffle.
· White Plains: (914) 422-1331. Day-long program with several health talks on “Connecting Spiritual Wellness and Spirituality,” “Internet Safety,” “70 is the new 50,” “The Importance of Humor,” and “Healthy Aging Through Nutrition.” Plus, Forever Young Singers, Zumba, and Hearing Health. Hosted by The Burke Rehabilitation Hospital. Sponsored by The Fitness Center at Burke, White Plains Hospital, White Plains Recreation & Parks Community Center, Bristol Assisted Living, and Sprain Brook Manor Rehab.
· White Plains: CenterLight Healthcare PACE Center. Spanish Program. Fall Prevention program, Zumba Class, lunch, nutrition presentation, “Healthy Meals on a Budget” and facility tour. Program is currently full, but Spanish-speaking residents can call DSPS at (914) 813-6393 for other options.
· White Plains: Family YMCA (914) 949-8030. Silver Sneakers Classic exercise class, Zumba Gold and gentle yoga. YMCA membership not required in recognition of NSHFD (pertains to group classes only, class size is limited).
· White Plains: YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester (914) 949-6227, ext. 208. The YWCA will be open to non-member seniors 60+ for the day’s activities and classes. All lap swimming, fitness center and fitness classes. Fall prevention screenings will also be administered. Class size limited, call to confirm.
· Yonkers YWCA: (914) 963-0640 x105 (held on Tuesday, May 24th). Zumba Gold exercise class, nutrition presentation by DSPS registered dietitian nutritionist, Patty Szeliga, raffles, prizes and healthy lunch.
· Yonkers Office for the Aging: (914) 377-6826. Different activities planned for each of the senior nutrition programs in Yonkers. Call number above for schedules, times and locations.
· Yorktown Senior Nutrition Center: (914) 962-7447. Stretching and balancing exercise demo by Solaris, nutrition presentation by DSPS registered dietitian nutritionist, Theresa George, healthy lunch, and prizes.