Engage At Every Age: Granite YMCA celebrates May and ‘Older American Month’

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OlderAmericansMonth


MANCHESTER, NH – May is Older Americans Month and The Granite YMCA is emphasizing the importance of being active and involved, no matter where you are in life. New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire adults 50 and older make up approximately 16 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 emotion well-being,” said Cindy Lafond, Association Director of Healthy Living Initiatives at The Granite 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 age well.”

From May 1 through June 30, The Granite YMCA will offer seniors seven free visits to its five branch locations in Manchester, Goffstown, Londonderry, Portsmouth and Rochester. To receive this pass card, please visit your local branch. Guests that complete the card are encouraged to return it to the Welcome Center to be entered to win prizes.

The Granite YMCA offers a variety of group wellness classes for active older adults to live a healthier lifestyle. On-land classes available include Gentle Yoga, Chair Yoga, Fit for Life, Gentle Power, Lo Impact, and Silver Sneakers. Water-based classes include Water Walking, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Limber Limbs and Aqua Strength. These classes are great for a low-impact option and work on agility, flexibility and endurance.

For more information, contact Cindy Lafond, Association Director of Healthy Living Initiatives at clafond@graniteymca.org.

The Granite YMCA believes that well-being and fitness is more than just working out. That is why there are educational programs to promote healthier decisions, and a variety of programs that support physical, intellectual, and spiritual strength.

Additionally, the Y offers the following tips on how to jump-start your healthy-living routine:

  1. Have fun with your food. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring! Have fun with your fruits and vegetables by trying them fresh or frozen. Find a new recipe that uses a different source of protein or find a way to incorporate fish or beans into an old favorite. Remember as you age, it’s important to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy and lean meats to help your body get the necessary nutrients.
  2. Fill up on fiber and potassium, hold the salt. As you age, your body needs more fiber rich foods to help it stay regular. Aim for a variety of colorful foods on your plate (i.e. fruits and veggies) to keep fiber rich foods a part of your diet. Additionally, increasing potassium along with reducing sodium or salt may lower your risk of high blood pressure. Fruits, vegetables and low-fat or fat-free milk and yogurt are good sources of potassium.
  3. Get Active. Physical activity is safe for almost everyone, and the health benefits far outweigh the risks. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things older adults can do for their health. It can prevent many of the health problems that seem to come with age (such as osteoporosis and arthritis) and reduce the risk for developing, or help manage, depression, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain kinds of cancers. For older adults who have chronic conditions that hinder their ability to be active on a regular basis, some physical activity is better than none, and older adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits.
  4. Tweak your routine. To get the recommended 30 minutes of daily physical activity, change your routine to 10-minute sessions throughout the day. For example, stand on one foot while brushing your teeth to increase balance, and do squats while washing dishes to increase strength. Make sure you can grab hold of something to maintain balance—safety first! To increase your cardio, take the stairs instead of the elevator or park farther from the entrance to work. When sitting in front of the TV, march during commercials or do some light stretching to break up sitting for long periods.
  5. Get social. Socialization is an important part of aging. As we get older, it’s important to be active socially to stay healthy. Take a walk with a friend or a neighbor, join a book club or volunteer at your local pet shelter or local Y. Social interaction provides meaningful engagement, builds relationships, enhances a sense of belonging and provides opportunities for involvement—all resulting in greater bonds and a stronger sense of community. Being connected to the community keeps you healthy!

For more information on how to live a healthy, active life, visit www.graniteymca.org.

About The Granite YMCA

As one of the state’s longest standing and most enduring non-profits, The Granite YMCA focuses on youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and family strengthening. Across the state, its six branches engage 30,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to improve their health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2017, The Granite YMCA provided financial assistance and free services valued at over $1.63 million to 20,190 individuals. To learn more, please visit www.graniteymca.org.

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