Stay Active; Stay Happy
Fitness is essential to healthy, happy golden years
By Laura Forrest Hopfauf
Staying physically active is an important part of aging in a healthy way, staying independent longer, and enriching senior citizens’ lives. And Washington County has just the place for that to happen.
Washington County Senior Center is on Franklin Street in downtown Hagerstown. Besides group exercise classes, a reflexology path, a quarter-mile outdoor walking path, and a full gym, the center also offers activities from arts and crafts to dancing to language lessons to computer and phone support.
And the center with its activities and amenities is available to use for free for seniors who live in Washington County.
Dyanne Sharrar, a certified American Council on Exercise (ACE) instructor for almost 40 years, helps seniors stay fit at the Washington County Senior Center.
“I think many people have the misconception that a senior activity center is similar to an adult day program, when in fact the Washington County Senior Center is for active, independent adults 55 years old and up,” says Abby Housel, program manager of Washington County Senior Activities Center. “Fitness classes are among the most popular at our center. I think people are looking for ways to stay active, especially after retirement.”
Staying active at the center provides opportunities to connect, whether taking part in group exercise classes or using the gym facilities on your own. The gym, known as Senior Fit, is an extremely clean environment with equipment and 24 machines to help seniors with everything from strength training to cardio fitness.
For those wanting to use Senior Fit, being familiar with exercise equipment isn’t a requirement. All members who want to use the Senior Fit gym are required to take a class held at the facility that gives an introduction about how to use of all the equipment along with important safety precautions and information about how to use the space.
Linda Caricofe, a member at the senior center who uses Senior Fit, encourages everyone who wants to try fitness classes or the fitness center to embrace the feeling of nervousness and do it anyway.
“All of us feel that way before taking the step to come in and see what is offered here,” she says. “The center is life changing—socially, mentally, and physically.”
Linda Frush, another member who frequents Senior Fit, adds, “It’s a wonderful thing for seniors to stay very active.”
Beyond that Frush wants potential members to know fitness isn’t the only benefit to using the gym, “You will feel great and meet a lot of people our age.”
For those wanting to exercise in a group class, there are plenty of those every month. Dyanne Sharrar, a certified American Council on Exercise (ACE) instructor for almost 40 years, teaches classes at Washington County Senior Center and loves how group exercise allows seniors to take better care of themselves while building relationships.
“Connectivity is powerful,” Sharrar says. “Group exercise can be intimidating to someone who is new to it. One of the most wonderful things to witness in our class is the interaction of participants. They connect with each other, chat with each other, share information about experiences we are all going through in our daily lives. We are happier when we feel connected. Plus, we have fun while we exercise.”
Katherine Minutes, an active participant in group exercise classes echos Sharrar’s sentiment. “The senior center is my happy place. I would urge all who wish to meet new people and enjoy new things to come and share with us.”
Washington County residents Kathy Sargent and Terry Wills use the equipment at the Senior Fit gym at the Washington County Senior Center on Franklin Street in Hagerstown.
In addition to offering a way to keep connected with others, fitness in one’s later years provides health benefits that extend beyond the time of a class.
“Staying physically active as a senior is especially important, as exercise can help improve your strength and balance, and therefore can help prevent falls and contribute to a senior being able to remain independent longer,” Housel says. “Lack of physical activity can lead to a variety of health complications.”
Caricofe adds, “Simply put, I feel great, thanks to taking that first step. Instead of watching reruns on TV, I am and always will be active…it’s the only way to enjoy a full senior life.”
Exercise doesn’t have to be a lonely and stressful endeavor for any of us, and Washington County Senior Center is making sure that its doors are open to all seniors who want to embrace a healthier lifestyle into their later years with open arms and a welcoming spirit. Just come in and as Sharrar says, “I’m sure you’ll find something that works just for you.”