Staying in shape is a choice, but much more importantly, it’s a gateway to a vibrant life. Remaining fit is a transformative power for older adults, significantly enhancing the body’s health, cognitive function and quality of life.
Exercising and weight training were once considered too risky and offering little benefit after a certain age. Today, we know the many advantages and encourage everyone to stay active.
While physical abilities can decline if muscle mass and strength are lost, this doesn’t need to be a normal part of the aging process.
Senior whole health at Prairie City Landing
If you’re considering independent living communities that understand the importance of activity, you’ll want to make sure their fitness programs are top of the line.
At Prairie City Landing, we recognize the contribution fitness makes to a senior’s whole health and that is why we have a dedicated fitness center and full-time director.
Download our complimentary guide Staying Home vs. Senior Living.
Senior whole health: A conversation with Prairie City Landing’s fitness director
To gain a better understanding of our program and philosophy, take a few moments to read a recent Q & A conversation we had with Fitness Director Jason Cherry:
Question #1: Could you explain Tenfold’s overall philosophy on fitness?
Cherry: “To encourage our residents to participate, we make sure our program is safe, fun, effective, diverse and entertaining. Consistency in exercise allows residents to maintain and improve their physical and mental functioning, which leads to healthier and more enjoyable lives.”
Question #2: Does Prairie City Landing personalize the fitness program to meet the standards for senior whole health?
Cherry: “Yes, we do. We start with an assessment to find out what limitations they may have, what their goals are and what they enjoy. Then, we can provide exercises that suit their personal needs and goals and recommend classes that would be appropriate for them.“
Question #3: Could you provide an example of how you partner with the residents to achieve their wellness goals?
Cherry: “We had a couple who were in really good shape and very active but were not confident in their balance and ability to walk long distances. They were going to be hiking in Hawaii with their son and wanted to improve on these areas.
Along with recommending they join the balance and nature walk classes, I gave them specific exercises to increase their balance, strengthen the muscles used for walking and improve their walking endurance.”
Question #4: What are the most popular fitness activities among the residents?
Cherry: “Honestly, our residents love all of them. We have a diverse set of fitness activities, each with its devoted fan base. We’ve found that each activity is super important to its group of residents.”
Question #5: Can you share any resident success stories from participating in the senior whole health fitness program?
Cherry: “The residents became so good at line dancing that they were able to take a special trip to a nightclub where they mixed seamlessly with younger and more experienced dancers. They had such a great time.
That night, it no longer seemed they were residents at a senior community but just independent adults having fun at a bar.”
Question #6: Are there common challenges to exercising among residents and how do you address them?
Cherry: “Almost any physical barrier can be accommodated so the bigger obstacles are often mental. People might have had bad experiences with exercise – either fearful that it will be too painful or difficult, or they’ve been negatively judged. They might think exercise is boring or not understand the immense benefits.
At Prairie City Landing, we’re welcoming, positive and nonjudgmental. I try to find what the residents enjoy and ensure they’re entertained and engaged while learning how beneficial fitness is.”
Question #7: Do you incorporate mental health/cognitive function exercises into your fitness program?
Cherry: “Yes. The marketing director and I have a class called Mind Power, which is specifically designed to keep your brain healthy through physical activity and education. I also like to include brain work into my other classes with things like pattern reversals, choreography and rhythm changes, along with breathing exercises and brief meditations.”
Question #8: Are there any exercises or activities you might recommend a resident avoid, and why?
Cherry: “There are millions of different exercises so there is no need to push people to do any exercise they’re not comfortable with, is not appropriate for them or is not safe.
In general, I do try to avoid exercises that use a lot of momentum (unless it’s for something very specific like a certain sport) because they usually use muscles and motor skills less and can be more damaging to the joints.”
Question #9: Have you received feedback from the residents about your senior whole health fitness program?
Cherry: “Yes. They love the deep and diverse fitness schedule and the special events. They really appreciate that someone is here to help them individually.
When comparing, they find there might be only one or two classes a week at other communities. But at Prairie City Landing, we have a schedule of about 25 classes a week. Residents also love the sense of community that the fitness program provides.”
Senior whole health: It’s never too late to start
The advantages of exercise can make a big difference in life. But what about those who are hesitant to start exercising or who may think it’s too late to benefit from physical activity?
It is NEVER too late, according to Cherry. You can always benefit from exercise and we will do everything in our power to give you a fun, safe and welcoming experience. No matter what limitations there may be, we can always find something that will help you.
Discover Life at Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing
We created Prairie City Landing to support our residents to live their best lives possible. Our community’s design, residences, activities and amenities are all focused on helping to connect, engage and create an enriched life.
If you’re searching for senior living that is different from the rest, we hope you will consider Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing. We invite you to download our complimentary guide Staying Home vs. Senior Living. Contact us to speak to an advisor, or schedule your tour of Prairie City Landing today to experience senior living and our community for yourself.
