Get Moving

THE RECREATION AND FITNESS INDUSTRIES have witnessed an interesting phenomenon in recent years, with the baby boomers reaching senior-hood. The largest generation to-date to surpass age 50, the boomers are determined to remain physically fit, and require a larger selection of options for doing so than ever before.

“It’s a really different generation than we’ve ever had in the 20 years I’ve been in the field,” says Tiffany Skoglund, supervisor at the Greeley Active Adult Center. “The baby boomers want really

Staying active at 50, 60, 70, 80 and beyond

competitive, physical types of stuff.”

With so many newly 50-plus adults arriving on the scene, Skoglund says the gap between the active generation and older seniors is widening, when it comes to recreational interests.

Varying needs for varying ages “While we’re trying to cater to our younger, 50 and up members, we’re still programming for our folks who are a little older, a little more frail, and starting to experience declining health,” says Skoglund. “Our 70-plus folks are interested in keeping their minds active as well as their bodies.”

These varying needs have given way to a whole host of new activities geared toward the 50-plus crowd at local recreation and active adult centers. From book clubs to badminton, there are dozens upon dozens of ways to stay active these days, no matter your interest or ability level.

“Here at the Greeley Active Adult Center we have so many things our active adults can do to stay active: pool tables, table tennis, racquetball, cornhole,” says Skoglund. “Shuffleboard is Katie Harris

• CHILSON SENIOR CENTER 700 E. 4th St. Loveland 970-962-2783 www.cityofloveland.org/departments/parks-recreation/chilson-senior-center • FORT COLLINS SENIOR CENTER 1200 Raintree Dr. Fort Collins 970-221-6644 www.fcgov.com/recreation/senior-center • GREELEY ACTIVE ADULT CENTER 1010 6th St. Greeley 970-350-9440 wwwgreeleyrec.com/facilities/greeley-active-adult-center/ • WINDSOR COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER 250 N. 11th St. Windsor 970-674-3500 www.recreationliveshere.com/167/Community-Recreation-Center

hugely popular and a great sport to get you moving. Pickleball is a good choice for people whose knees have gone bad.” Skoglund says that conversely, for many older seniors just getting dressed, getting out of the house and feeling like part of the community is a huge step, whether it be joining a walking group, taking a class to help with balance, or even heading to the active adult center to knit for an hour.

“I really emphasize the social part of being active for older folks,” she says. “The camaraderie of getting out and being involved in something can be just as beneficial to your health as the physical part.”

Mindset’s what matters Seniors who want to improve their physical health but feel hindered by their age can take heart. According to Todd Grauvogl, a personal trainer at Chilson Recreation Center who primarily works with seniors, when it comes to a decline in health and fitness, it’s not an issue of age so much as activity level. “I see young people not in great shape and I see older people all gung-ho about working out,” he said. “I have a 72-year-old woman lifting weights with the younger generation. I have 60-yearold body builders. It’s not so much your age as your mindset that matters.” Grauvogl says the main focal points for the majority of his 50-plus clients are balance, bone strength and life expectancy.

“My clients want to stick around a lot longer,” he says. “They want to be there for their families. They want to work on their balance to prevent falling and getting hurt. Females in particular want to work on getting stronger as their bone density starts to decline.”

Activities for every age Like Skoglund, Grauvogl says, no matter your age or ability level, any activity that gets you out of the house and moving will benefit your health, and there are plenty of options available that won’t cost you a dime. “Get out and walk, or bike when the weather’s nice,” he says. “Hike if you can. Walk your dog. Go swimming. Find a group of neighbors or an activity center where you can meet up with others and be active with people of your own generation.”

Skoglund says walking is a great option for both physical and mental well being.

“Most indoor malls allow people to come in and walk, as do any of the parks in every community,” she says. “Bittersweet Park in Greeley, for example, is a beautiful and popular park to walk in.”

Skoglund adds that the Larimer County Office on Aging (970-498-7750, www.larimer.co.networkofcare.org/aging/) offers free activity programs to those who qualify, and that most senior and active adult centers offer inexpensive member- ships as well as drop-in options for seniors. “Folks can stop in for a water-walking or yoga class, which are great for working on cardio and maintaining healthy hearts, weight and blood pressure,” she says. These types of activities are also easy on the joints, which can be a big challenge for anyone dealing with joint issues such as knee and hip replacements, according to Grauvogl.

“We know that today’s seniors aren’t just seniors, they’re active adults, too,” says Skoglund. “With people retiring earlier, staying active is big. Our goal and mission at the Greeley Active Adult Center is to keep people out, and keep them actively living their lives.”

Grauvogl says the first step to a healthier lifestyle is reaching out.

“Try to make a connection with some- one who you can do things with, who can help you out,” he says. “Having someone as your support helps get you motivated. If you don’t know of anyone, go to your local rec center and join a program or activity with people of the same generation.

“With many of my clients, we do a lot of talking, but we work out, too. Sometimes having that person to connect with makes all the difference.”