Workouts keep seniors young

Senior center equipment is getting workout

By Lauren Radomski (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Monday, October 13, 2008

At 89, Eero Latvala doesn’t do yard work anymore.

When he wants to get some exercise, Latvala visits the Fergus Falls Senior Center, the new home of a dozen strength and cardiovascular machines.

“It’s where most of it gets done — right here,” Latvala said, seated at the leg extension machine Wednesday. “These exercises help keep you going.”

Latvala is right. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, people of all ages see the benefits of exercise: conditioned heart and lungs, improved muscle tone, and greater function of bones and joints.

Exercise can be especially important for seniors, not only to prevent future negative health conditions but to improve on existing ones. In a study documented by the National Institute on Aging, some people 80 and older progressed from using walkers to canes after doing simple muscle-building exercises for just two weeks.

It can be tempting to keep a painful joint in a bent position because it’s often more comfortable, said Sue Tungseth, who leads arthritis classes at Lake Region Hospital. Yet this ultimately worsens the problem.

“It’s really important to keep stretching,” she said.

Engaging in physical activity can also be a way to ease mental health concerns, namely depression and anxiety.

“Exercise is so important sometimes when people are dealing with depression,” said Barb Miller, community liaison for Lake Region Healthcare and an RN with over 30 years of mental health experience. “It really boosts serotonin (and) makes people feel better.”

Exercise is certainly not a cure-all, she said, but something as simple as walking for 15 minutes at a time or volunteering can make a difference.

Equipment at the Senior Center is available for use by members from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Teri Kaseman, a certified fitness trainer with the Fergus Falls Area Family YMCA, leads circuit training from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Funding for the equipment was provided by the Senior Center’s activity fund, the Frank Veden Charitable Trust and the Mardag Foundation.

Lake Region Healthcare is partnering with the Arthritis Foundation to hold a series of exercise programs for anyone with arthritis, fibromyalgia or other joint pain. A seven-week exercise program will be offered at two different times: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m., Nov. 3 through Dec. 17, or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon, Nov. 4 through Dec. 18. The cost is $20.

For information on other programs or to register, call 218-736-8388. Space is limited.

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