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Mar 24

To Your Health: Memorial Hospital introduces healthy aging and wellness exercise programs – Conway Daily Sun

Exercise Programs Comments Off on To Your Health: Memorial Hospital introduces healthy aging and wellness exercise programs – Conway Daily Sun

By Danielle Koffenberger

Ever wonder why you lose motivation when it comes to your exercise program? Why do some of us start and stop exercise programs and nothing seems to stick?

Researchers suggest that there are two factors associated with lack of motivation to exercise, and we know them well. The first is that some people are just not interested in exercising. They don't enjoy it and may not appreciate or fully understand value the health outcomes enough to make it a priority in their lives. Barriers to regular exercise include lack of time, family, work or school obligations.

The second factor is some people may have had a negative experience in the past and don't have the confidence to be physically active. Some may have physical limitations that prevent exercise from being enjoyable.

These factors contribute to the current national physical activity data. Currently, less than 28 percent of American adults, less than 40 percent of European adults and less than 15 percent of Canadians adults meet recommended guidelines for physical activity. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise or general physical activity per week for general health and improved well-being.

It seems that science has found the long sought-after "Fountain of Youth." It's called exercise, and Memorial Hospital has introduced a new initiative that promotes healthy aging for those 50 and older. As the first step in this initiative, Memorial is now offering classes directed by well trained professionals, promoting a variety of exercises to help people get started in a safe and friendly environment. Memorial currently has available a six-week exercise series that includes cardio, strength, balance, core, stretching, Pilates and yoga. The classes are held on the second floor of the physical therapy building, just north of the hospital. Series cost is $69, and class size is limited. The program is part of the hospital's Community Health Improvement/Population Health focus on healthy aging. Population Health Director Susan Ruka, RN Ph.D., believes this kind of community outreach is critically important. "We know that exercise is the best prescription for healthy and successful aging. Our job as health-care leaders is to engage people in activities that can make a difference in the quality of their daily lives. Exercise can boost your energy level, mobility and overall health as well as build your knowledge and confidence. Participants interested in attending the classes should speak with us to determine what program is the best fit."

Danielle Koffenberger, program coordinator at Population Health, said, "Our goal is to help you get and stay fit and healthy and meet the expectations of what feels more comfortable to you."

The new program is an addition to several others already underway, including A Matter of Balance and Tai Ji Quan, Moving for Better Balance. Kate Soule, one of the instructors, explained that as the body ages, it goes through many degenerative processes. "Muscle, bone and joint changes that come with age really can be reduced through exercise," she said. "Each week, our class will focus on a different aspect of strength and balance including ways to improve one's strength, metabolism and flexibility." Research continues to show that regular physical activity not only improves the quality of life for older adults, it also decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and many other illnesses and disabilities. Even if you start late, exercise increases the likeliness of aging free from chronic disease, memory loss and depression. People who are physically active also tend to have better immune systems, fewer falls and more daily social interaction. Ruka and Koffenberger want people to know that they don't need to be currently engaged in exercise to take the course. "This is an opportunity to learn about the impact of aging on our bodies and what you can do to stay strong and fit," they said. "As you get older, the key is to be able to keep doing the things you like to do. By making physical activity a regular part of your life, you can improve your health and maintain your independence as you age." The Population Health team is also working in partnership with Memorial's Heart Health and Wellness Center to promote its new program, "The Fresh Start Wellness Program." The program includes nutritional evaluation, blood pressure monitoring and one-on-one support. Some participants can benefit from starting their journeys with the individual support provided by our qualified staff and then move on to the group classes after a few weeks. Long-term success will come when one looks at behaviors i.e., what we truly like, what are goals are, the lifestyle that we want, etc., and begin to transition to more intrinsic motivators. Research demonstrates that when individual psychological needs are met, there is a greater sense of vitality and well-being. When we align with what is and feels most natural for us, we will have greater success. Here are a few helpful tips to get you thinking on how to get started.

Explore different activities to see what gives you the most enjoyment.

Be honest with yourself and your limitations and be open to make adaptations to help you to succeed.

Do you like exercise equipment or prefer exercising outdoors?

Do you like to exercise alone or in a group?

Danielle Koffenberger is Population Health Program coordinator at Memorial Hospital.

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To Your Health: Memorial Hospital introduces healthy aging and wellness exercise programs - Conway Daily Sun

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