Have you tried fad diets, bought into gym memberships that go unused, have a stationary bike or treadmill in your bedroom that is now a clothes hanger? Let me venture into a concept.
Fitness has nothing to do with size, but it sure looks good on all of us. The benefit of being fit may be a better shaped body and a prettier smile on your face. But some of us are working towards fitness and not changing our body structure yet or at all. Older adults should strive for fitness because it extends longevity, fends off injury and illness, and gives energy. Fitness helps all our bodily systems work better, and many senior citizens, even in their 90’s, may be more fit than you’d think.
As a community relations manager for a non-profit agency, my work assignments vary. I travel between offices, sometimes have long hours in front of a computer, deliver presentations, do interviews, haul heavy supplies, and work in a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions. One of my most treasured duties is teaching an exercise program to senior citizens. I cannot call it intense exercise, but it is fun, physically active, and addictive.
The evidence-based class Bingocize was developed by Western Kentucky University to help older adults stay physically active and live healthier lives at home. From its inception, it has the option of being played in person, virtually, or in a hybrid mode. So, it fared well during the pandemic and is quickly spreading across the country.
Combining a bingo-like game with knowledge questions and exercise, it helps participants choose better foods, and reduce their risk of fall-related injuries. Bingocize was created to accommodate independent participants, seniors in nursing homes, and disabled individuals. All the exercises can be adjusted to an individual’s physical limitations, and participants are expected to challenge themselves, but not to overdo it. Although it appears to be just a friendly, little, activity, In the 11 months I have been facilitating Bingocize classes I have seen some remarkable results. I want to share a couple of conversations I had before and after a recent class.
Linda has been attending Bingocize for several months, she’s a regular whom I have grown to love. She has fallen several times and is working with her doctor to manage medications. The other day she told me that she had another unfortunate fall at home. But she’s okay, she said, and she proudly told me she was able to “get right back up again.” Because of the upper body exercises we do in our class and discussions we have had on strategies to be safe in case of falling, she feels stronger and more confident.
After class, another participant, Joni, old me I should share her good news. Joni started coming to Bingocize several months ago. She walked in struggling with two canes! She was unable to raise her arms and said her toes were curled in her shoes making walking very painful and strenuous. But she loves the classes because they made her hopeful.
A few weeks later, she was thrilled to report she could raise her arm to fill her bird feeder, and it gave her so much joy. After a few more weeks, I noticed she had cast aside one of the canes and now she can use just one!
She had been using toe separators inside her shoes because of her curling toes. She told me to tell everyone that because she learned to do heel raises, and practices regularly, she has strengthened her toes and they aren’t curling any more. Joni says to tell everyone that Bingocize works!
These senior citizens are enjoying themselves doing functional exercises at their own pace and becoming more fit with every movement. They may never swim competitively, or run a marathon, but they are finding more enjoyment in life and sharing their accomplishments with each other.
Whatever exercise you choose, make sure it will help your flexibility and agility, practice often, and keep it up. There’s always time to become more physically fit.
Barb Nadeau is the Mobility & Community Relations Manager for Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois, representing five counties. Barb’s career includes many years as a professional television and radio host, as well as a print and social media journalist, and as a Volunteer Coordination professional, networking among non-profit social service agencies throughout the State of Illinois. She is a freelance writer and an elected alderman in the City of Plano government. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.