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Shape Up, Seniors

Published: March 22, 1999 12:00 AM

America may be greying, but it's not slowing down.

LUCY DARLING (left) and Ida Mae Holland, along with other classmates, follow instructor Leasa Abernathy's lead during an aquaerobics class at Ellen Shapiro Natatorium. The class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Mike Schenk photo

More than ever, older adults are leading active lifestyles that include healthy doses of strengthening and cardiovascular exercise.

Why? Mary Ellen Ketler, 74, who has been participating in aquaerobics since December 1990, sums it up. "It's good exercise. I feel vigorous when I'm finished. I like the friendship and social part too," she said.

Ketler and her husband began the program when they retired and now hardly miss the Monday, Wednesday and Friday class at the Ellen Shapiro Natatorium.

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James Tobias, 72, of Orrville, has been in class for five years and also swims at The College of Wooster. "It helps keep me limbered up. If I miss a class, I can feel the difference," he said.

Thoughts about the aging process have changed with research and real-life scenarios, said Brian Coote, Wooster Community Hospital's director of rehabilitation service.

"We used to think that as people aged, they just gradually lost strength. Now we know that's not true," Coote said. "You look at athletes like George Foreman and Cal Ripken Jr. who have stayed extremely competitive, and the same thing applies to the rest of us.

"Now we know you use it or lose it, as opposed to just getting old."

Locally, facilities abound for seniors interested in getting active. The Wooster Recreation Department, YMCA, and Wooster Community Hospital all offer fitness programs.

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Coote emphasizes strength training and weight-bearing exercise with older adults. As we age, we lose lean muscle and bone mass, but gain fat. Exercise fights that trend and makes us stronger, which keeps us healthy and prevents injuries.

Falling is the second leading cause of death in adults over age 65, Coote said. Weight-bearing exercise integrates balance, vision, muscles and skeletal systems, and so reduces frailty and increases mobility.

Exercise instructor Leasa Abernathy concentrates on aerobic and cardiovascular fitness in her classes. She teaches aquaerobics, line dancing, low impact workouts and strength and tone classes, all designed for older adults.

"The word of mouth has really increased the size of my classes. This is a big social thing for them," she said.

While many of her students credit Abernathy for making the classes so fun, she said it works both ways. She gained her specialized training in working with seniors after the community center advertised the open position. Abernathy said it's the best job she's ever had.

"Every day I learn something new, and you can't put a price on hugs," she said.

Abernathy and Coote stress consulting a doctor before beginning any exercise program.

"I don't like giving specific information to people when I give talks, because I don't know their history. Exercises to help your lower back and leg strength are great, but not if you've had a hernia or discs removed," Coote said.

Abernathy said her classes allow people to work at their own pace. If someone is tired, or doesn't feel comfortable doing a particular exercise, they don't do it.

Abernathy's students include those from age 55 to 93. "They're good at knowing their limits. Some people will pick up their pace a little, some slow down. But we really work; we're moving. Some days, they outdo me," she said.

And, of course, a little help from your friends always is nice.

"This is really a support system. It's very social for all of us," said Pat Williard, 65, from Wooster, who swims with her sister, Marilyn Fox, 62, also from Wooster.

Coote said he recommends people exercise in groups of three. "When there's just two of you, you can too easily talk each other out of it," he said.

Even as men and women progress into elderly years, they can still keep their bodies moving. Abernathy instructs an exercise class twice a week for Karrington of Wooster residents.

Sitting in chairs and listening to big band music, the men and women stretch, raise and lower their arms and legs. They begin and end slowly, moving faster in the middle. While the workout would not be classified as highly intense, the participants are moving the entire 45 minutes.

Karrington activities director Jody Terakedis said the exercise is part of a whole program of cognitive activities she tries to provide for residents. Other programs include swimming, singing, pet therapy and inter-generational programs with outside groups, such as Scouts.

"We try our best to provide dignity and independence in residents' quality of life," Terakedis said.

Abernathy is just glad to get them moving. "It keeps their blood moving, muscles active and it's a social thing for them," she said.

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