The YMCA is showing older adults that aging doesn’t mean they have to stop being active.
On September 30 at the Mitch Park YMCA, the Y hosted a Healthy Aging Open House and Resource Fair that provided older adults, caregivers and families with practical tools and strategies to help them stay active in their everyday lives. Taking place just after Falls Prevention Awareness Week, the event brought together a variety of community organizations committed to ensuring the safety of older adults as they age.
“Healthy aging is about helping older adults continue to live engaged and independent lives so they can continue doing the things they enjoy,” said Anissa Chadick, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships and Community Impact. “We want to make sure older adults have access to the knowledge, resources and support they need to feel confident and capable.”
Attendees explored wellness assessments, exercise and movement demonstrations, and other resources for seniors and caregivers. The event also featured CarFit, an educational program that helps older drivers make sure their vehicles are properly adjusted for safety and comfort.
The YMCA is here to help older adults build strength and balance so they can continue to move safely and maintain their independence. Programs offered at the Y — such as Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance, A Matter of Balance, Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL), and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention — are proven to help older adults better manage their everyday movement and decrease risk of falls.
In Canadian, Cleveland, Logan and Oklahoma counties, Senior Mobility classes are also offered at the Y and other locations through a partnership with the Area-Wide Aging Agency. These classes use a combination of standing and chair-supported exercises that can be adapted to different abilities and comfort levels, making strength training accessible.
“The Y is driven to help show that falls don’t have to be a normal part of aging,” Chadick said. “Fall provention is a community effort, and when we come together, we can create more opportunities for older adults to stay safe, healthy and connected.
