Pella older adults hit the pavement to “Keep Moving…So You’ll Keep Improving” as part of larger Blue Zone’s journey
Pella, Iowa – May 27, 2015 – On Wednesday, May 27, residents of Hearthstone, a Ministry of WesleyLife laced up their walking shoes to put the motto of this year’s National Senior Health and Fitness Day in action. About 90 residents, Hearthstone team members and Pella Community Middle School 7th grade volunteers participated in the day’s events.
The event was part of Hearthstone’s five month journey designed to give a taste and touch of life in each of the five cities around the world where people live remarkably long, full lives, called Blue Zones ®. The journey kicked off in May with programs centered on learning about the first city—Ikaria, Greece. People here are three times more likely to reach age 90 than those in the United States and also experience 20% less cancer, half the rate of heart disease and almost no dementia. Longevity in this area can be attributed to a host of items, but one of the main findings is that Ikaria residents make walking a part of a daily routine—which is why Hearthstone celebrated National Senior Health & Fitness Day with walks at the different locations.
At The Cottages seventeen seventh grade students walked outside with residents, at Jefferson Place residents started their morning by exercising in the courtyard and making fruit kabobs. Pella Manor and Fair Haven East residents hit the trails at Lake Red Rock for a walk.
“National Senior Health and Fitness Day is just one example of how we put health and well-being in action,” says Natasha Nikkel, Hearthstone Wellness Director. “We believe in abilities and possibilities, not decline as we age at Hearthstone. By providing our residents options to maintain their physical wellness, we also see a positive impact on mind and spiritual well-being which ultimately supports their independence,” she adds.
It is estimated more than 100,000 older adults participated in activities at more than 1,000 locations throughout the U.S. as part of the 22nd annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day. The common goal for this day: to help keep older Americans healthy and fit. For more information about Hearthstone’s five month health & well-being journey, please contact Natasha Nikkel, Wellness Director, at 620-4219 or nnikkel@wesleylife.org.
