EnhanceFitness participants at the Alexandria Area YMCA pose for a photo after class.
Contributed photo
YMCA encourages older adults to
‘ENGAGE AT EVERY AGE’ By Celeste Edenloff Alexandria Echo Press
This summer, the Alexandria Area YMCA is emphasizing the importance of being active and involved, no matter where or when you are in life. Community residents are encouraged to develop behaviors that are crucial to healthy aging, including healthy eating, increasing physical activity and social interaction – especially those adults over the age of 50. Adults 50 years and older currently make up more than 30% of the U.S. population, and will soon represent 45% of all Americans. The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that adults 50 and older have a 70% chance of developing at least one chronic disease. While these numbers seem daunting, the good news is that making small lifestyle changes that include increasing physical activity, eat6 | GENERATIONS • Summer 2023
ing healthier and staying active socially can help older adults live better. “Due to COVID-19’s “Due to COVID-19’s potential effect potential effect on our older on our older members, we know that many have been staying home for members, we know that many their health,” said Tammi Pauly, have been staying home for their wellness coordinator for the Alheath. If you need help, support or exandria Area YMCA. “If you just a place to get started, communityneed help, support or just a place based organizations like the Y provide to get started, community-based the needed guidance to help older organizations like the Y provide the needed guidance to help older adults age well.” adults age well.” - Tammi Pauly, The Y offers many ways for older wellness coordinator, adults to live healthier including the Alexandria Area YMCA YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program or EnhanceFitness. Starting in September 2023, the Alexandria Area YMCA will be offering a Blood Pressure