FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH FOUND IN EXERCISE

By Karen Everett Watson

Roseville, Ca. – How do you prevent falls, build stronger bones, stay socially connected and lose weight? According to Lynell Ross, nutrition and wellness coordinator for the Village Center at Eskaton Roseville, the answer is . . . exercise. “Exercise is the fountain of youth,” said Ross. “If I could bottle it, I would be a millionaire.”

Ross emphasized that exercise is the key to fall prevention which is the number one cause of fatal injuries to seniors. “If you have strong muscles you can catch yourself before you fall,” said Ross. “Exercise improves balance and creates flexibility. These are very important as we age.”

Millie Robinson, 89, is a frequent participant at the Village Center. She bought a home located just across the street so she could stay active. “I exercise so I won’t fall flat on my face,” said Robinson. “I’m healthier now than I was 15 years ago.” Robinson attends water aerobic classes three times a week.

Ross said autumn is a great time to stay active. “Everyone needs to exercise year round not just in the summertime,” she said. “Water walking is a great way to exercise. It’s a non-weight bearing exercise so it’s easy on the joints. Our water aerobics classes here at the Village Center start with simple stretches. We use noodles and music to make it fun. It’s a great way to socialize. We do line dances, square dance moves and conga lines. It’s just a lot of fun.”

Barbara Kirchner, 74, recently moved to the Eskaton Village with her husband Jose. She said the classes are helping her with weight control. “We’ve been on way too many cruises,” she said with a laugh. “Where we lived before, I was hesitant to even take a walk. Here, the classes are great and we go on walks every day with our dog. It’s marvelous.”

Dr. Cheryl Osborne, director of gerontology at Sacramento State, said people should broaden their idea of exercise. “Exercise is more than just working out at a gym,” she said. “It’s simply moving. It includes walking, gardening, hiking, low-impact and high-impact aerobics . . . doing whatever your body allows and then pushing it just a little farther.” Osborne said that many seniors continue to run for exercise. “There are a lot of seniors in their 70’s and even 80’s who continue to run.”

Andrea Bean, 70, said the socializing is important to keep her motivated. “It just peps me up,” she said. Ruby Huston, 75, gets to classes early so she can enjoy an empty pool. “The classes are great,” she said. “This keeps me healthy – keeps my bones strong and limbs working.”

Ross also teaches a chair exercise class. One of her students has passed the century mark in age. “Helen attends classes regularly,” said Ross. “The chair classes can give you a great work out. Helen is proof. She moves like a much younger woman.”