Cooper Classics Program |
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| May 2, 2003 |
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972-560-3236. |
Fitness Program For Seniors is Both Life Enhancing and Extending
DALLAS — There will be an estimated 70 million seniors by the year 2030 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Fitness centers are recognizing this trend and adding more programs for this population. Additionally, more and more of these older Americans are realizing the value of exercising – enhanced functionality and prevention of heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and osteoporosis – and are enjoying enhanced social relationships in the process. Cooper Fitness Center has adapted its program for older adults to include more relationship building activities while still focusing on getting seniors to stay active.
Cooper Classics, the Fitness Center's program for those 55 and older, was formed over a decade ago to give the growing population of seniors a way to exercise that was more diverse and fun than traditional senior programs. "As our members aged, we knew they would not be happy sitting on the sidelines, watching the younger members take part in fun, energetic classes. We also needed to adapt our classes to focus more on core stability and functionality, two important aspects of protecting older populations against falls that may cause hip fractures and other detrimental injuries," said Heather Henderson, Cooper Fitness Center mature market director. Classics classes that were added or changed include Tai Chi, core matters, line dancing and Pilates.
When Joe Weaver, now age 89, first joined Cooper Fitness Center in 1979, it was with the goal of increasing the quality of his life. Meeting new friends was just an added benefit. "I knew the importance of exercising to maintain a high level of functionality as I aged. What I never expected was that this group of fellow Classics would become my support when my wife passed away," said Weaver. A true believer that someone is never too old to learn a new skill, Weaver enjoyed the Classics Tai Chi classes so much that he commandeered a similar class at his assisted living complex and now instructs the class for other residents once a week.
In addition to offering exciting fitness programming, Cooper Classics provides transportation to the Cooper Fitness Center by a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas sponsored van for those who are unable or dislike driving; two outings per month to museums, restaurants and other cultural sites; birthday parties; and screenings and lectures on nutrition, exercise and other health concerns for aging adults.
Cooper Fitness Center is one of eight divisions of The Cooper Aerobics Center, founded in 1970 by Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H. With 3,800 members, the fitness center includes a healthy restaurant, outdoor walking/jogging trail, strength training equipment, cardiovascular equipment, exercise classes, personal training, basketball, boxing, Pilates, tennis and swimming.
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Quick Facts Regarding Aging
The United States is on the brink of a longevity revolution. By 2030, the number of older Americans will have more than doubled to 70 million, or one in every five Americans.1
Functionality
Two approaches are used to define levels of functional disability. The first is the ability to perform essential daily tasks such as eating or bathing, known as Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The second, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), represents tasks that are more complex such as cooking or cleaning. Among noninstitutionalized individuals 70 and older, 8.7 percent were unable to perform at least one ADL. In the same population 19.1 percent were unable to perform at least one IADL. Among those 85 and older, 21.6 percent were unable to perform one ADL and 38.4 percent were unable to do at least one IADL.2
Illnesses and Afflictions
Only 38.7 percent of older adults say they're in excellent or very good health.3
Arthritis is the most commonly reported chronic condition among older Americans; a majority of those over age 70 report being affected by it.2
Ten million Americans have osteoporosis, and 8 million of them are women. One in two women and one in eight men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lives.4
Osteoporosis is the cause of 1.5 million fractures each year.4
Hip fractures are the most serious fall-related injury. In 2000, the number of hip fractures was expected to reach 300,000, and by 2040, the number should reach 500,000. By age 90, one in three women will have sustained a hip fracture.2
In 1988-1994, just over 50 percent of those age 65 and older had low bone density.2
Mortality
The leading cause of death for adults 65 and older is heart disease.3
In 1998, among adults 65 and older, the leading causes of death were heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, pneumonia and influenza, and diabetes.2
Falls are the leading cause of injury death among persons 65 years and older.2
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