ACTIVE AGING SUCCESS STORIES

Eugene Daniel’s involvement with the Sowega Council on Aging (SCOA) reflects his deep commitment to active aging and the meaningful changes he’s experienced along the way. After moving back to the area and retiring from a demanding career as a truck driver, Eugene knew it was time to focus on his health. He began attending the SCOA’s wellness programs, starting with chair aerobics and later incorporating other exercises, including the stationary bike. These activities, along with dietary changes, have significantly improved his health, helping him manage diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Eugene’s commitment to staying active is an example of the importance of regular exercise in aging well. Despite the challenges of past knee replacements, he has consistently participated in SCOA’s programs, which offer him a supportive community and the tools to maintain his health. He has lost weight, lowered his A1C levels and reduced his reliance on medication, all of which he attributes to the combination of exercise, a better diet and the guidance from his doctors and the SCOA staff.

Through the years, Eugene has not only benefited from SCOA’s wellness programs but has also become an advocate for active aging, encouraging others to join and teaching newcomers how to make the most of the available resources. His story is a powerful example of how the SCOA’s wellness programs can positively impact the lives of seniors, contributing to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

story is a vivid example of how commitment to well-being can redefine one’s approach to aging. Having always been an active person, Hollie found the transition challenging when the pandemic disrupted her regular exercise routine at a local gym. Discovering the wellness programs at SCOA provided her with a new sense of purpose and a way to stay physically and socially engaged.

Hollie became a regular participant in the chair fitness classes offered at the council, appreciating the variety of exercises tailored to different levels of ability. She particularly enjoys the Monday, Tuesday and Thursday classes, which help her maintain strength, balance and mobility—crucial components of active aging. Although she initially found Tai Chi to be too slow for her liking, Hollie recognized the benefits of its controlled movements and has integrated some of these practices into her routine.

Beyond the physical benefits, Hollie values the social connections she has made through SCOA. After years of working on the road in sales, she found the exercise classes to be a great way to meet new people and build a sense of community. The social aspect of these programs has been just as important to her well-being as the physical activity, underscoring the importance of staying engaged and connected as part of active aging. Her experience with SCOA’s programs illustrates the profound impact that structured wellness initiatives can have on maintaining an active lifestyle in the later years.