AEA SPOTLIGHTS Sponsored by Today, many seniors find themselves becoming residents of Independent Living Continuing Care Communities. One of the many benefits available from the growing number of senior communities is the option to maintain an attainable level of physical fitness safely. As a result, many facilities are adding fitness and aquatic centers with well-trained professional staff. When our community opened a state-of-the-art fitness facility and a therapeutic-level aquatic center, many residents weren't quite sure what to expect. But all have been pleasantly sur- prised. We are providing a fantastic experience with measur- able improvements for our clients! One of our residents who has brought us much joy is Dr. James L. Conrad, MD, and here is his story. "Having been a resident of The Lutheran Community at Telford (LCT), a "cutting edge" retirement community north of Phil- adelphia, for nearly four years, its many programs for seniors have been very beneficial for me. When I first moved here in 2017, I was experiencing some early symptoms of peripheral polyneuropathy (hATTR - genetic amyloidosis), I inherited from my father. At first, the changes were subtle, not curtailing my activities of daily living." "During the past two years my symptoms increased with loss of proprioception (sense of balance) in the soles of my feet. The two LCT Fitness Specialists (Tina Cook and Linda Scott), both certified with AEA and ATRI, encouraged me to start aquatic fitness/therapy. Still, I shrugged it off as something old ladies do in the water rather than swim. Finally, when I needed a cane to help with my balance issue, I decided to heed their advice and began the aquatic exercises three times per week." "Within only a few sessions, I was dumbfounded and amazed at how dramatically it was helping my balance to the point I no longer needed a cane to assist my walking. In discussing this revelation with my instructors, I realized how aquatic exercises help to retrain the brain to develop new pathways in sensing the body's position. The buoyancy of the water helps keep the feet from resting heavily on the pool floor, while the constant move- ment of the water during the exercises keeps one off-balance, allowing the brain to develop new pathways in maintaining bal- ance. There may be three to nine of us in the 90-degree water in any specific session, enjoying the aquatic exercises." "Yes, even as a physician (retired for 15 years), I have become a firm believer in aquatic fitness for helping maintain a sense of balance. There are many uses of aquatic fitness/therapy which were not commonly recognized during my professional career in family medicine. As we experience changes with aging or dis- abilities, it is very important to try to keep ahead of the aging curve. If you have any questions regarding your balance, arthri- tis, mobility, or other age-related condition, discuss with your fitness director whether aquatic fitness may help you and where to best find it. As it did for me, it may very well change your self-image and your state of health by warding off some of the dangers of aging." We want to add that in addition to Dr. Conrad's aquatic classes, he is also involved in our Symbria Well-Being Program, which works with an individual's goals to create a unique fitness and aquatic program that works for them. Dr. Conrad has soaked up all he can in his private programming as well as the various classes he is taking. n Submitted by Tina Cook, AEA, ATRIC and Linda Scott, AEA, ATRIC Featuring James L. Conrad, MD 44 | Akwa | December 2022 / January 2023 / February 2023
