SilverSneakers Helps Older Adults To Stay Active, Healthy And Well
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
For three years, the SilverSneakers Fitness Program has provided health and wellness opportunities for older adults in this area.
Part of Healthways, a national organization, SilverSneakers offers access to fitness centers, fitness classes, health education seminars and social events.
The program is available through a variety of health insurance plans, explained account manager Adrian Mastraieni.
To mark the three-year anniversary last month, participants were invited to the Maumee Indoor Theater for a free showing of the movie The Rookie and free pizza, pop and popcorn.
“We want our members to relax and get together to enjoy a movie,” Mastraieni said.
SilverSneakers partners with the YMCA/JCC of Greater Toledo to offer fitness classes to approximately 1,500 participating seniors in the Northwest Ohio area, Mastraieni said, and 170 registered for the event at the Maumee Indoor Theater.
“It’s wonderful,” said Carol Westgate of Toledo, who takes an exercise class three times a week through the SilverSneakers program. “I miss it if I don’t go.”
Nancy Riddle of Maumee has lost four pounds taking the Silver Splash pool class twice a week at the Wolf Creek YMCA.
“I’ve made wonderful friends,” she said.
The SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a winner of the 2004 HAN Award from the Healthcare and Aging Network of the American Society on Aging.
For more information, visit www.silversneakers.com.
Local Woman Stays Active As She Reaches 101st Birthday
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
The words “Simply loveable and fun at 100” were printed on the T-shirt she wore on her last birthday, but since Olga Boone has marked another birthday and the sentiment continues to ring true, she also wore it on her 101st birthday.
“It’s not what you’ve lost, it’s what you’ve got in life that counts,” she said resolutely.
Born September 28, 1908, Olga spent her birthday morning at Central Park West Rehabilitation Center at the fitness class she participates in twice a week.
While doing arm lifts, she looked around and smiled: “This feels good.”
“This is a haven for healing, let me tell you. People may come here grumpy, but they leave with a smile on their face,” she said.
She was pleased to see a woman across from her wearing a red shirt.
“Now I have something good to look at – when I see red I feel bloody strong,” she said, clapping her hands together.
Olga’s positive attitude has impressed the staff at CPW Rehab.
“Your outlook really affects your health and your ability to stay independent, and Olga is really an inspiration, said Cindy Binkley of CPW.
The exercise class helps Olga to improve her balance and increase her overall strength and flexibility, Binkley said.
“While here at CPW Rehab, she not only works on her physical abilities but she also socializes with other clients and the staff,” she said.
At age 101, Boone maintains her own home. She loves angels, cats and butterflies, and she tends to her garden, said her daughter Ellen Boone.
“She was always very supportive and encouraging,” Ellen said.
“She was enthusiastic and adventuresome. She would do handstands in our front yard when I was a kid,” Ellen said, laughing.
Olga raised two daughters: Ellen, who lives nearby, and Julia, who lives out of state. She also has three granddaughters, Meg, Anna and Karen. She has been widowed twice.
According to Ellen, Olga received a master’s degree during the Great Depression and she spent many years working for the Washington, D.C., public schools. She also served as an instructor for the Dale Carnegie training program.
“She loves learning and teaching,” Ellen said.
In 1930, Olga was named Miss Maryland and throughout much of her life she loved to dance, said Ellen.
The family recently gathered for a party in her honor, where Olga danced the waltz.
“Inspiration is the word I hear most people use to describe her,” Ellen said.
Aside from a hip replacement in 1989, she has had few physical problems and has led an active life, Ellen said.
Since moving from Jekyll Island, Ga., where she lived for 20 years, to Ohio in 1996, she been active as a storyteller and inspirational speaker, making appearances at women’s clubs, nursing homes and churches.
Known for an enthusiastic personality and a gift for gab, she has made many friends at the rehab center.
“She’s a fantastic woman. Her mind is so alert,” said Pat Blair, who receives therapy at CPW.
Many staff members and clients gathered to celebrate with cake and flowers as they watched her open her cards and gifts.
“This is fantastic,” Olga said. “Thank you all and may God bless you all.”