Westchester seniors will be able to learn to tap dance, do strength training, swim, watch a cooking demonstration and take part in presentations about the nutritional needs of older adults at the 19th annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 30, at locations throughout the county.
The day is organized by Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) and its Health and Wellness Coalition, which is composed of some 20 community organizations.
“I encourage all seniors to circle May 30 on their calendars so that they don’t miss this important program,” said Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “People of all ages need to be fit, and fitness is essential for seniors who want to remain involved in their communities.”
“Get Moving . . . Start Improving” is this year’s theme. The programs are free and open to county residents who are 60 years or older. The sessions will take place at more than 16 locations – such as community centers, nutrition sites and adult day-care programs – and each location will offer two or three events.
Call each location directly to learn their addresses, the programs they will offer, and the times and to register. The telephone number for each site is listed below and at www.westchestergov.com/seniors. Note that at some locations, seniors must live in that community to take part.
DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said exercise is essential if seniors want to be healthy and independent as long as possible.
“Senior Health and Fitness Day gives seniors the opportunity to try some appropriate and enjoyable forms of exercise,” Carpenter said. “Exercise helps you to feel well and can alleviate some conditions such as depression. It can also prevent falls. I encourage all seniors to take part.”
National Senior Health and Fitness Day is organized nationwide as a public/private partnership by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national information clearinghouse for the older adult market. It is always held on the last Wednesday of May in support of Older Americans Month.
2012 National Senior Health & Fitness Day Locations
Eastchester
Eastchester Senior Center at Lake Isle- 337-0390
Eastchester Garth Road Senior Center- 771-3340
Greenburgh Parks and Recreation- 989-3639
Mamaroneck Senior Center- 834-8840
Mount Pleasant Community Center- 769-0155
Mount Vernon Senior Center at the Armory 665-2315
New Castle Parks & Recreation- 238-8888
New Rochelle Hugh Doyle Senior Center- 235-2363
Ossining Senior Center- 762-1350
Port Chester Senior & Community Center- 939-4975
Peekskill Senior Center- 734-4250
White Plains
Hosted by Burke Rehabilitation Hospital- 597-2578
Sponsored by the Fitness Center at Burke, White Plains Hospital Center - Division of Geriatric Services, the White Plains Recreation & Parks Community Center, Willow Towers Assisted Living and the Greenwich Woods Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. To register, call 597-2578. White Plains Seniors should call 422-1423 to make reservations for transportation.
White Plains Family YMCA- 949-8030 ext. 205
Yonkers
GuildCare of Yonkers- 439-2449
(This will be a bilingual program on Thursday, May 31st for Yonkers seniors with diabetes and vision impairment problems.)
Yonkers Office for the Aging- 963-6662
YWCA of Yonkers- 963-0640 ext. 105
Yorktown Community & Cultural Center- 962-7447
