CLEVELAND, Ohio — Older adults are being encouraged to try their hand at group exercise programs offered by the YMCA of Greater Cleveland.
“As we get closer to summer, many older adults are looking for ways to stay active, social and cool,” said Loni Beverly, director of active older adults programs at the Y.
“For many, it’s not just about movement. It’s about maintaining independence, purpose and connection.
“That’s exactly what group fitness classes at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland are designed to support.
“Group fitness is a form of therapy for the body, and making connections with other people in class is incredible for the community you build.”
She said exercising with others creates a community that watches out for each other.
“It is a small community where people care and check up on each other. They become friends and go for lunch after class or do an activity.
“As our seniors age, their worlds become smaller as they lose friends due to relocation or sadly passing, so the more we can expand social connections the better health is overall,” she said.
“Social isolation and loneliness are the new chronic diseases. They equate to the equivalent of smoking two packs of cigarettes a day as people become more isolated.
“Even with new technology, we are not connected to human beings anymore, and these classes are a great way for that to happen.
“That is a powerful statement, and it is true — studies have shown that the more we can get people to see each other, it becomes a small group of family and people notice when someone is out due to injury or illness, and they will send cards,” she said.
“Folks are searching for a connection with each other, and we provide the conduit for it.”
Classes are offered at all branches of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. They can be water or land based, such as SilverSneakers, Enhance Fitness, Zumba Gold and other low-impact options.
Beverly said areas are provided to enjoy a coffee or to sit and talk before or after class.
“There is a really interesting study on friendships I read that in order for someone to be considered an acquaintance there need to be 100 touches back and forth, and for a friend there need to be 250 touches, and for a lifelong friend there need to be 500 touches,” she said.
“But as people age, there becomes less and less opportunity. But at the Y, we provide the opportunity for those touches. It’s a real blessing.”
Beverly added that exercise also brings cognitive benefits as it releases endorphins, which help make people open to connecting.
“You laugh together and it provides a common ground for people to have something to talk about.”
Classes are both progressive and regressive, meaning people can step up or down the level they are working at according to their needs.
“There is a misconception that you have to be at a certain fitness level to even start, and that is not the case,” she said.
Beverly said many insurance programs cover the cost of participating at the YMCA, but even if someone is not covered there are scholarship programs available so everyone can take part.
For more information, visit www.clevelandymca.org.