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Quality of Life for Seniors Senior Celebrations Program @ UMC Offers Free Fitness Classes, Wellness Activities & Social Events.
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By Scott Kerbs ike many other seniors across Southern Nevada, Monica Valerio joined UMC’s Senior Celebrations program to improve her overall level of fitness. After attending her first Senior Celebrations exercise class in 2020, at the Healthy Living Institute at UMC, the 66-year-old Las Vegas woman became an active member of the free wellness program, receiving expert-level guidance from UMC’s team of health care professionals. Two years later, Valerio continues to attend a number of Senior Celebrations events, including the twiceweekly EnhanceFitness class, and the results speak for themselves. “I’ve lost 25 pounds since joining Senior Celebrations,” Valerio says, explaining that UMC’s low-impact EnhanceFitness class has also significantly improved her mobility. “Prior to joining Senior Celebrations, I wasn’t exercising at all. I had no motivation to exercise.” Many local seniors experience serious health issues as a result of inactivity and isolation, says Amy Runge, RN,
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who leads UMC’s Senior Celebrations program as the Clinical Manager of the Healthy Living Institute at UMC. Recognizing the importance of providing local seniors with guidance and support on their journeys to better health and well-being, UMC introduced Senior Celebrations more than 20 years ago. Today, the program serves more than 2,000 members, providing community members 50 years old and up with access to a robust selection of evidence-based fitness classes, seminars, and activities. A majority of these events take place at the Healthy Living Institute at UMC, located on the hospital’s campus at 901 Rancho Lane. “At UMC, we believe seniors should be respected and revered,” Runge says. “Our expertly trained team members take pride in developing resources tailored to meet the unique needs of seniors. We work together to promote their health and well-being in a safe, supportive environment.” With no sign-up fees and no costs associated with participation, Senior Celebrations offers a wide range of exclusive benefits for local seniors, including
