Never 2 Old 2 Get Fit!
Older Americans and National Physical Fitness & Sports month
May is Older Americans Month and National Physical Fitness & Sports Month. Check here weekly throughout the month of May for inspiring stories on how VA facilities across the country are getting their aging Veterans more physically fit. This year’s theme is “Never 2 Old 2 Get Fit”
May 1-8, 2016
VA Gerofit Programs: Baltimore – Never 2 Old 2 Improve Your Agility
GEROFIT - an Exercise and Health Promotion Program for Older Veterans. If you thought agility training was for younger athletes, think again. Weekly Gerofit group exercise classes include a multimodal balance training class with Veterans working on their footwork with a speed ladder. 
VA Gerofit Programs: Baltimore – Never 2 Old 2 Improve Your Leg Strength
GEROFIT - an Exercise and Health Promotion Program for Older Veterans. The ability to get up out of a chair is paramount to the ability to complete activities of daily living. Veterans work on making it easier to do, so they are encouraged to continue to get up and move!
VA Gerofit Programs: Baltimore – Never 2 Old 2 Join a Team
GEROFIT - an Exercise and Health Promotion Program for Older Veterans. Being part of a team is not just for your younger years. Gerofit Veterans push each other to get better and more fit during group exercise classes. The accountability to their friends keeps them coming back!
Recreational Therapy in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston VA Medical Center Recreational Therapist, Cindy Ingels traveled with five residents of the Community Living Center to Pinz Bowling Alley in Mount Pleasant, SC to participate in the Bowling for Veterans Program. Pinz is a community partner that offers discounted rates for the program and opens during non-business hours just so these residents can bowl. Ingels' program is aimed at providing opportunities for choice, decision making, independence and purposeful activity. Residents also recently participated in surfing - sponsored by the Charleston Country Parks and Recreation.
VA Gerofit Programs: Durham - Never 2 Old 2 Get Started!
GEROFIT - an Exercise and Health Promotion Program for Older Veterans. Durham, NC Brothers, Roy Watson (left, age 91) and Bobby Watson (right, age 88). Bobby joined Gerofit to keep up with his older brother. "Before Roy joined Gerofit I used to wait on him; now I’m walking behind him."
VA Gerofit Programs: Durham - Never 2 Late 2 Have Fun!
GEROFIT - an Exercise and Health Promotion Program for Older Veterans. Ms. Joan Mathis and Mr. Gerald Murfree enjoy kicking up their heels on Fridays at the Durham VA Gerofit line dancing class.
Physical Health Benefits of Exercise in Older Adults
- Exercise improves strength, flexibility, and posture, which in turn will help with balance, coordination, and reducing the risk of falls.
- Exercise can improve immune function, blood pressure, bone density and digestive functioning.
- Exercise can lower the risk of several chronic conditions including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and certain cancers
Mental Health Benefits of Exercise in Older Americans
- Exercise can improve your sleep which is important for overall health.
- Exercise is a huge stress reliever and the endorphins released can help reduce feeling of sadness, depression, or anxiety
- Exercise is good for the brain which can aid in the prevention of memory loss, cognition decline, and dementia.
Tips for Starting A Fitness Program
- Get medical clearance before starting an exercise program. Ask if there are any activities to avoid
- Consider health concerns
- Start slow
- Commit to an exercise schedule
- Stay motivated
Talk with your VA Healthcare provider and team to learn how to become more active!
