Key to Senior Independence is Healthy Activity, for Mind and Body

Think back to the 1971 movie portrayal of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, when Charlie's grandparents were bed-ridden and wheezing, barely able to move. It was a feat of will just for Grandpa Joe to totter to the candy store with Charlie.

Today, it just might be Grandpa Joe nudging Charlie to get his behind from in front of the TV, and he just might race him to that golden ticket.

The American Senior Fitness Association says that the United States Census Bureau "predicts that more than 46 million Americans will be over 65 years of age by 2015." 

However, the government may be failing our seniors preventative health needs. 

A March report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that many seniors are not getting offered vaccinations and preventative screenings, or help quitting smoking. So what is this growing population to do?

For many, taking matters into their own hands is key. Bret Stanwich owns BASE Fitness, which specializes in in-home personal training for seniors, including those around Ballwin and Ellisville. As a multi-certified personal trainer and owner of BASE, Stanwich has lived in St. Louis for 25 years, during which he's competed in 17 triathlons and still plays competitive tennis.

"As I've aged, I've realized the many benefits of living an active and healthy lifestyle," said Stanwich. "I believe that exercise (done properly) is the best way for older adults to stay healthy as they age."

Focusing on functional fitness, he said, can be key to maintaining independence. This means that exercises are focused on making tasks such as doing laundry or tying shoes as easy as possible.

Another focus of seniors should be cardiovascular exercise to help prevent heart disease and diabetes, Stanwhich said. Also, stretching ankles and neck/shoulders daily can help prevent falls and bad posture that takes its toll over time.

While BASE Fitness doesn't use intimidation or painful methodology, it does focus on the keys to a successful program: Setting goals, having a support team or workout buddy, being mindful of your body's limits, and making fitness a priority.

Jay Cohn, 75, works out at least three times a week, either in Queeny Park near Ballwin, the Des Peres Lodge, or on a home treadmill. Cohn also watches what he eats, he said, and hasn't gained weight in 20 years–although he admits it can be a struggle.

But Cohn realizes that working out isn't the only way to be "active"– he attends many activities and events every week that allow him to be social and learn daily.

Cohn is a student with Washington University's Lifelong Learning Program, and he and several other volunteers also compile a newsletter of senior events called St. Louis Senior Arts & Events. The newsletter is available online, via e-mail, and in print.

"The arts are an excellent way to learn," Cohn said. "And many people don't realize these events are often free."

The National Institute of Health offers a comprehensive website for Senior Health, for exercises and preventative actions geared toward the changes that are associated with aging.

The Mid-east Area Agency on Aging offers nutritious meals and activities for seniors. The West County Center is at 14535 Manchester Rd.