Get motivated for Active Aging Week

By Janet Taylor

Tuesday, September 18, 2007 11:05 AM EDT

From baby boomers to centenarians ... marathon runners to individuals in wheelchairs ... everyone is capable of doing some activity that can keep us engaged and involved. Living an active life is much more than physical exercise ... it is a state of mind.
We all feel better when we are involved - working, volunteering, walking, exercising, visiting friends or family, playing games, laughing, singing and dancing. For many adults, engaging in enjoyable activities with others while developing or maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to staying active and happy. The key is to find the motivation to become and stay active.

Active Aging Week is an annual event held the last week of September (Sept. 22 through 30). This nationally recognized week was created by the International Council of Active Aging to give as many older adults as possible the means to experience activities and exercise in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere. This year there are more than 64 organizations in 29 states and three Canadian provinces that are offering activities to older adults during this week.

Active Aging Week in Cayuga County is a project of the Elderly & Disabled Task Group of the Cayuga County Human Services Coalition. The Coalition has partnered with several local community organizations this year to plan a variety of free activities to promote active aging and a healthy lifestyle to adults roughly age 50 and up.

What sets apart Active Aging Week? Everything is free, and the emphasis is on fun and education. Older adults can go at their own pace and look for activities that appeal to them. Active Aging Week events are a great way to learn something new, meet people, spend time with friends and find out what's available in the community. We would love to have you join us for any of our planned events.

Planned activities during the week include the Auburn YMCA Open House for age 50+ Sept. 24; Auburn Memorial Hospital Medically Speaking lecture on fall prevention Sept. 25; a Diabetes Health Fair at Moravia Fire House Sept. 26; Arthritis Foundation program at the Boyle Center Sept. 27; an Alzheimer's Association Workshop: “Maintain Your Brain” in Auburn Sept. 26 and in Cato and in Moravia Sept. 28; free classes and other activities at the Cato-Meridian Community Recreation Center throughout the week; free day passes at Champions for Life Sports Center and at Mercy's Medical Day program in Auburn.

We are so excited about Comedian Yvonne Conte's performance at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at the Auburn Public Theater. She will present “The Positive Power of Humor,” a humorous and entertaining look at aging. She will show us how humor helps us to age gracefully, promotes good health, reduces stress, improves communication and stimulates our creativity.

Yvonne is the founder of FUN at Humor Advantage and the author of five books on the subject of humor and joy. She has appeared nationally on TV and taken her humor seminars to more than 5,000 corporations and groups nationally. We are so fortunate to have HUMANA sponsor this free event.

Active Aging Week 2007 will wrap up with an Emerson Park Dance with Ted Mosley and Moondance. This free event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, at the pavilion. Come enjoy the music and do some dancing.

We're sure you'll find an activity that's right for you. If you would like more information on Active Aging Week or a schedule of events, please contact Janet Taylor at the Cayuga County Office for the Aging at 253-1103.

Janet Taylor is an aging services specialist for the Cayuga County Office for the Aging.

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