Reaching Out to Senior Retirement Communities By Barbara Howansky, BS The growth of independent retirement communities around the country con- tinues at an explosive pace. Baby boomers demand it. With 10,000 people turning 65 every day in the US according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the popularity of independent living ven- ues is increasing. Under the heading ‘Independent Senior Living’, Wikipe- dia says the number of mature adults living in these retirement communi- ties has more than doubled in the past decade from 2000 to 2010. Finding your purpose is the key to drawing satisfaction from helping meet the physical and emotional needs of older adults. Many of these independent living retirement facilities include fitness or wellness centers. These cen- ters are meeting a key need for resi- dents, maintaining and contributing to their quality of life. Amenities might include weight machines, free weights, resistance equipment, and group exercise classes. Many also have pools with aquatic exercise pro- grams. Classes, both land- and water- based, are tailored to meet the fitness needs of mature adults including improved posture, balance, gait, and overall strength. Several factors are at work here. First, there are lots of programming choices so residents can pick classes that they can master and enjoy. blending land and water formats bet- ter accommodates everyone’s physical 26 | Akwa | December 2017 / January 2018 abilities while addressing any limita- tions, such as recovering from injury or rehabilitating from surgery. Third, participants support each other in the classes, which enhances the sense of “family” within the retirement com- munity. Fourth, a positive environ- ment combined with group support usually translates to extended and enhanced longevity. Finally, fear gives way to a belief mindset of “I can do this” and eventually “I will do this!” A coordinated land and water fitness program in retirement communities is essential. Consistent participation (3-4 classes a week) helps individu- als reach health improvement goals, which encourages continued partic- ipation through the adage “the more you do, the better you get.” Addition- ally, encouragement from others in the class often raises the healthcare outcomes for participants across the board. Independent living facilities are jump- ing on the preventative health band wagon (addressing the needs of the ‘whole person’) by including robust fitness programs to meet consumer demand. Many residents are expect- ing an all-inclusive environment and maintenance-free living in this setting. This means that you, the fitness profes- sional, have numerous opportunities to make a difference in the retirement community setting. Second, Finding your purpose – how you really want to passionately serve others – is the key to drawing satisfaction from helping meet the physical and emo- Barbara’s fitness team members offer classes in retirement communities in Albany NY. tional needs of older adults. Person- ally, this fitness journey has paid out huge relational dividends. May these payouts exceed your own internal sat- isfaction standards should you choose to venture down the retirement com- munity path! n Author Barbara Howansky, BS, has worked in the fitness field since 1984. Through her contract business, Wellness Fits, she has developed innovative programs for general and senior populations, as well as physical rehab. Currently, Barbara is a contractor for the AVILA Retirement Community and five other independent living communities. She also works with the Albany N. Capital District YMCA, the Schalmont School Dis- trict Adult Ed Program, and VENT Fitness Guilderland NY. Enthusiasm, innovation and creativity are the three main charac- teristics of Barbara’s love for fitness.
