News room
Media Advisory |
Rebecca Chaplin |
Which way is best? Older adults make the choice during Active Aging Week
Older adults will choose from a sampler of special events during Active Aging Week, September 20–26, 2010.
What does "being active" mean to you? For older adults, staying active can mean many things: from reading the newspaper to zumba classes, from walking to the grocery store to joining a group of volunteers picking up litter. There is a way for everyone to choose activities that are appealing to their personal interests.
Across the nation, people ages 50 years and older will experience the theme, "Be active your way" during special events offered during Active Aging Week, the annual health promotion event initiated by the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) that will be held September 20–26, 2010.
"This week-long extravaganza of events demonstrates our region's commitment to individual health through fun and fitness," says Rebecca Chaplin, event coordinator with Land-of-Sky Regional Council. Chaplin continues, "this is the perfect opportunity to try something new like the Aqua tone at the Leila Patterson Center, Korean Karate at the Stoney Mountain Activity Center, Gentle Yoga at Bridgewater Yoga, Nia or the Ageless Grace chair exercise at the Pardee Health Education Center. Or re-visit an old favorite through joining the merry milers walking group, strength training at the YMCA or Aeorbics at Pardee Health Education Center. All events during this week will be free."
Active Aging Week activities will take place in Buncombe, Madison, Henderson and Transylvania Counties. The event is coordinated locally by the Land-of-Sky Regional Council, the Council on Aging of Buncombe County, YMCA of Western North Carolina, the NC Center for Creative Retirement, Park Ridge Health, WCCA, Asheville Movement Center, Madison County Health Department and Madison County Healthy Carolinians branch. Sponsors include CarePartners, Park Ridge Health, the Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Mission Hospital's Golden Care Program, Henderson County Parks and Recreation and the Appalachian Be Active Partnership. In addition, there are over 40 regional local organizations that are opening up their doors with free programs during this week.
As the World Health Organization states, "active aging" means optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age.
"The first week of fall is a great time to embrace optimal health at all ages," says Chaplin. "Active Aging Week coincides with the YMCA America on the Move Week and NC Fall Prevention Awareness Week." This year there are special events and programs to honor all three aligned efforts to promote health, participation and security at all ages."
"The images of aging are changing," observes Colin Milner, CEO of ICAA, "and today it is known that staying physically and mentally active leads to better overall health, improves mood and brain health, and encourages older adults to contribute to society, their communities and their families. That's why the special events of Active Aging Week open the doors to new, fun and educational activities."
What activity will older adults choose? Join us for one of the main Active Aging Week events: the kick-off Wellness Expo at Biltmore Mall on Monday, September 20th from 10am – 2pm; the mid-week pep rally at the Downtown YMCA including Tai Chi, lunch and nutritionist chat; Learn more about the opportunities for health and wellness at the Active Aging Day at the NC Center for Creative Retirement on Saturday, September 25th. See the complete schedule of activities online at www.activeagingweekwnc.org of follow us on Facebook at Active Aging Week ~ Western North Carolina.
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