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”
See Previous Stories
May 9-13, 2016
Miami Gerofit Program
Mr. Johnny Mobley (age 68, first row, right) exercises at Miami VA, accompanied by 15 other Veterans. Mr. Mobley has been in the program for several years, and he speaks up for all his peers, requesting support to continue the program.
Rural Veterans in Key Largo CBOC, join exercise activities using real-time clinic video telehealth (CVT), live from Broward VA OPC (on the TV), located 81 miles away. On the TV screen, 71 y/o Vietnam Veteran Mr. Arthur Condill, certified exercise trainer hired by Miami VA GRECC, teaches the classes.
Canandaigua VAMC
Veterans participate in functional circuit training, under the direction of Erek Biddle, Exercise Physiologist (second photo from top, on right), and Greg Reynolds, Exercise Physiologist (second photo from top, on left).
Salem Virginia VA
Roy Kessinger, age 69, (left), and Tommy Custer, age 78 (right) finish off their 90 minute workout session strong with some planks!
Never 2 Old 2 Work on that 6 pack
Los Angeles VAMC
Never 2 Old 2 Balance and Jump!
Mr. John Ray, 87 year old Gerofit participant from the Greater Los Angeles VA, showing off his balancing skills with his one-legged stance and catching a bean bag while standing on foam! 
Mr. John Ray at age 40 entertaining with his center split leap!
San Antonio VAMC Recreation Therapy
Here at South Texas VA Healthcare, we have a wellness clinic open during the week to train for the national games veterans participate in throughout the year. The recreation clinic located in Spinal Cord Unit includes weight training and physical activities such as Bocce ball, ping pong, adaptive billiards, air rifles, and crafts. The veterans also participate in off campus activities such as adaptive bowling, track and field, and golf.
St Cloud VAMC
Last summer the Saint Cloud VA held their first ever VA Summer Games. This is an event that allows Veterans, of all ages and abilities, to set physical fitness goals, train, and finally demonstrate their physical abilities at a competition near the end of summer. The event offers the Veterans an opportunity to compete in front of their peers, friends, family and community. We had wheelchair and ambulatory divisions in 6 events including badminton, horseshoes, 1 mile walk/run, weightlifting, billiards, and golf. This year we plan to add rowing and hand cycling. We encourage the Veterans to participate in physical fitness events to build comradery, challenge themselves and inspire each other and themselves.
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!
