by diana rossetti
copley news service
Flexibility is an attribute for the mind and body — especially as we age.
“It’s just what I needed,” commented an enthusiastic Nancy Violand, referring to a popular flexibility class for seniors offered at Walsh University in Canton, Ohio. “It’s only been six months since I had (bilateral knee replacement) surgery and this is going to help a lot.”
Violand enrolled in the free six-week program of twice-weekly afternoon classes that filled quickly.
“It’s just stretching and we all need to stretch,” the Louisville, Ohio, resident continued.
The flexibility clinic at the campus’s Mercy Wellness Center is designed for healthy adults age 60 and older.
More and more, from JCCs to retirement residence complexes — facilities are offering movement classes specifically designed for the older crowd. Flexibility is one of the more subtle ones.
“Increased flexibility is important to restore movement, aid in the prevention of injury and help maintain activities of daily living,” said Bobbi Stults, Mercy Wellness Center coordinator. “However, rising health-care costs, reduction in or loss of medical benefits and unemployment make it difficult for individuals to pursue wellness through prevention and early detection activities. This flexibility clinic was created for those who would benefit from but would not otherwise have access to this service.”
Pat Heckaman of Plain Township and Stacy Krammes of North Canton enrolled in the classes.
“I have had a year of illness and I’ve been recovering,” said Krammes. “I was going to Curves to slowly get back into shape. But after the first session here, I just felt so good. Everyone was saying how stiff they were, I but I felt just wonderful.
“Some of the exercises are done on a chair. And some, you lean up against the wall, then turn to stretch. It’s one hour each time and it’s wonderful.”
For Heckaman, who also has undergone bilateral knee replacement, the first class was truly a stretch.
“After the first session, I was in agony and pain,” she said, chuckling. “When you use muscles you haven’t used in a while, you are going to have some discomfort. For the most part, we are not spring chickens and I think it’s a very beneficial.”
All the clinic’s participants completed a health survey prior to the first class and will be monitored through the program with progress checked weekly.
Your dog stretches. Your cat stretches. Why? Simply because it feels good. Your pets don’t know how good stretching is for continuing good health as they age but you do.
AARP recommends regular stretching to remain flexible. Flexibility will, in turn, help you:
• Improve and maintain your range of motion, which improves balance.
• Prevent falls.
• Relieve chronic pain.
• Reduce tension and stress.
• Improve circulation and concentration.
• Boost your energy.
• Improve your posture.
CopyrightJ, the Jewish news weekly of Northern California