SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – “Sitting disease,” a phrase the healthcare industry uses to describe a sedentary lifestyle, is a common problem among older adults. According to the United Health Foundation, one-third of individuals, age 65 and older and living in the United States do not get enough exercise. The New Jersey Department of Health also shows a significant number of older adults, approximately 30%, are not physically active.

Why does exercise matter? The positive impact physical activity can have on an individual’s health is innumerable. Not only can exercise help to improve the quality of one’s sleep, but it also has been associated with helping to lower blood pressure, decrease levels of depression and anxiety, and reduce the risk of developing chronic disease.

The Centers for Disease Control advises older adults to exercise at least 3.75 hours of moderate to intense physical activity, which may be difficult for some seniors to maintain.

Somerset County’s six senior wellness centers offer a variety of safe exercise programs for older adults. The falls-prevention, evidence-based exercise programs have trained instructors leading classes to ensure participants perform the exercises safely and correctly. The instructors also tailor exercises to meet the needs of individual participants.

“County-operated senior wellness centers have a commitment to offering programs that support fall prevention,” said County Commissioner Paul M. Drake, liaison to the Office on Aging and Disability Services. “The senior centers provide a variety of health and wellness programs throughout the year to improve strength, endurance, and coordination.”

“Group exercise programs are key to keeping seniors active, safe, and socially connected,” said Somerset County Senior Center Health Promotion Specialist Karen Kowalski, MPH, OTR. “The programs serve to keep seniors motivated, accountable and committed to an exercise routine. Another benefit is that the class structure provides participants with cognitive stimulation in a way that solitary exercise does not.”

The senior wellness centers offer excellent falls-prevention, evidence-based exercise programs, such as: Bingocize, a program that combines bingo with exercise and health education, which also helps to improve body strength, gait, balance, range of motion, cognition, knowledge of fall-risk reduction, and it supports social engagement. Also, Enhance Fitness helps older adults become more active and increases their energy to help improve physical function, decrease depression, protect against falls and fall injury, and promote a physically active lifestyle. GERI-fit, uses light weights and stretch bands for physical fitness.

Other exercise programs the senior wellness centers offer include Chair Yoga to improve flexibility; Project Healthy Bones, a peer-led exercise and education program to help increase bone density; Fit and Flex for low-impact exercise with light weights and resistance bands; Walking Club to improve balance and mood; and Zumba Gold for exercising to zesty music.

Senior center participants are passionate about the exercise programs. “I love the classes at the senior centers,” stated a client. “Now I have an opportunity to exercise in a controlled and safe environment, which has been keeping me fit.”

Another senior wellness center client said, “Attending the centers and taking part in the exercise programs has been good therapy for me. Especially since I have health issues. It has helped me improve my mental health too.”

“I’ve been attending yoga classes for two years, and I really like the instructors,” exclaimed a client. “The instructor caters to the participants and gives insight into the benefits of different moves. I also appreciate that the classes are free.”

The six county-operated senior centers are open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lunch
At all county-operated senior wellness centers, on Monday through Friday, attendees have access to four healthy, daily menu choices with a small, suggested donation of $2.50 for residents ages 60 years and over. The diverse menu features many popular dishes with a choice of hot meat-based or meatless entrées or cold meat-based or meatless boxed lunches. To participate in congregate lunches seniors must make reservations by 10 a.m. on the previous business day.

Hybrid and Virtual Programs
Hybrid programs are available in person with an instructor or via Zoom. Participants can join Zoom programs through a web browser without downloading applications or software but must have a camera (audio and video) for all Zoom programs.

About the Office on Aging and Disability Services (OoADS)
The OoADS provides information and assistance regarding aging safely in place and the community. If necessary, staff will be available to meet clients at a senior wellness center or home at their convenience. For more information about the OoADS and caregiver support and resources, call 908-704-6346, toll-free at 1-888-747-1122, or email OfficeAging@co.somerset.nj.us .

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About Somerset County
The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.