Posted 9:06 am Sunday, February 12, 2012
Tyler Senior Center's Exercise Classes Keep Participants Active
By COSHANDRA DILLARD
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Earlena English loves to dance -- and she does it well.
Her thin frame bounced across the white tile floor last week at the Tyler Senior Center, where the 73-year-old attends a twice-a-week line dancing class. With each genre of music that played on a stereo system, she wasn't afraid to kick, strut and jump to country, rap and waltz tunes.
For an hour, she and her peers seemed to forget about time or notice that they were getting much of their recommended amount of exercise for the week.
Exercise does a body good at any age, and seniors are no exception. If generally healthy and without limiting health conditions, adults 65 and older need at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, according to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moderate intensity aerobic activity includes dancing, riding a bicycle or pushing a lawn mower.
According to the National Institute of Aging, a division of the National Institutes of Health, regular exercise helps older adults improve physical strength, balance, manage chronic disease, reduce feelings of depression and help them perform everyday tasks better.
It's certainly something Sudabah Matthews can appreciate. Following the first note of a Latin-rhythm song, the Iranian-born 59-year-old burst onto the dance floor with a suave cha cha. Since she's been attending the line dance class, she said she feels relaxed and refreshed by the last dance. It makes her "proud of her old age."
"I joined the group, but for a year or so I could not dance," she said. "Last year, that was my resolution, to learn those dances. ... That's the only way for me to exercise because I don't do any other exercise."
Jane Prayton, a petite 65-year-old smiled as she enjoyed her newfound pastime. The daughter of a Baptist preacher, she was not allowed to dance. When her doctor suggested she incorporate some cardiovascular exercise into her lifestyle, she hired a personal trainer and then learned to dance. She has since improved her arthritis. In addition, she said remembering the steps to at least a dozen dances helps her with mental function.
"My doctor said it's good for my health," Mrs. Prayton said. "The more I move, the better I'll be as I get older. So I love it."
Purvin Rodgers, at 81, stands tall and is nearly wrinkle-free. A beginning line dancer, he's still learning the steps to the dances but enjoys both the company and the exercise. He joined the center in March after his wife passed away.
"I had some tapes at home and treadmill, all that," he said. 'When she passed away, I didn't have an incentive to continue exercising. I thought it was necessary for me to get out and mix with the people, too."
Seniors also participate in Texercise -- a statewide exercise program developed for older adults by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. For about 30 minutes, participants join in for moderate-intensity exercise, which often includes hula hoops.
Mamie Johnson, 64, sometimes conducts the class. She began exercising at the center because she had pain in her feet. It's no longer a problem.
"It's fun," she said. "I love to see the people enjoy it. They are getting something out of it. I say, 'We are going to be 16 all over again.' Some say they feel better afterward and I feel better, too."
Kay Odom, the center's supervisor, usually leads the class. She recently received the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services' Vision Award, which recognizes exemplary volunteer service to promote wellness and dignity in those 55 and older. The program is available in at least a dozen churches in Tyler.
"We combined it with what we were doing here and it has been unbelievable," Mrs. Odom said. "I can't say enough about this program. It's fun. If anything is fun like that, they come back."
Mrs. Odom said seniors use weights every other day to help with range of motion, flexibility and balance.
The senior center attracts hundreds of seniors each day and a highlight has become its physical activity. They all say it keeps them vibrant and alive.
Joseph Alaniz, 77, has always been active. He used to run marathons and 5Ks. He also competed in ballroom competitions along with his wife, who passed away last year. He continues dancing in the center's line dancing class and other activities since he joined in 2005.
He's certain that the key to good health and long life is about moving the body.
"No pills, nothing can get you physical," he said. "You start walking, exercising, running, any kind of extra activity. It's the best thing to do. That's the fountain of youth right there. You can't find it in pills. You can't find it just sitting down."
Texercise is held from 11 to 11:30 a.m. weekdays at the Tyler Senior Center, 1915 Garden Valley Road. Line dancing is held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. A 30-minute beginner's line dance class is immediately after the hourlong class. For information, call 903-597-0781.
Updated Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 9:06 a.m. CST
Updated Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 9:06 a.m. CST
