November 21, 2012___________________________
W ^ ovtlattb ®baerUCr______________________ Page II
Community residents participate in a senior health and fitness class sponsored by Portland Parks and Recreation.
Seniors Living Well
enior Recreation programs at Portland community
centers are bringing recreational, educational, and
wellness opportunities for adults aged 55 and up.
Portland Parks and Recreation offers classes in health and
fitness, computer skills, music and dance, genealogy, activi
ties to boost brain power, writing, arts and crafts, hiking,
home and garden, multiculturalism and much more.
Participants say they enjoy wonderful life benefits and
camaraderie from the wide selection of offerings.
Aria McKee of Portland received a diagnosis of diabetes
just after Christmas last year. To combat the disease, she
started taking PP&R’s Enhance Fitness with instructor Judy
Greer at the Charles Jordan Community Center in north
Portland.
S
Since taking part in the class, Aria says she’s lost weight
and has been able to cut down on some of her medication.
"I have better movement, especially in my arthritic hand,
thanks to some of the things we've done in there,” she says.
"I have a better self-image now. It’s a nice pace for people
my age. I don't go away breathless, but I leave knowing every
part of my body has been worked!”
Enhance Fitness is offered this coming winter session at
several Portland Parks & Recreation community centers. It
involves activities such as low-impact ball exercises, work
ing on breathing, and improving movement.
"Lots of stretching, it helps my strength for things like
getting out of a bathtub or car,” adds McKee. "[Judy's
instruction] is very good. I like how they'll explain what
Health and fitness
take center stage
exercises, why we're doing it. We students do as much as we
can and learn how to break a fall. Judy and the other
instructors are patient and dedicated. I'd recommend PP&R's
senior recreation classes to everyone! My doctor cut one of
the medications in half. He said, whatever you're doing, keep
doing it!"
Juanita Bums was stricken with a serious infection which
affected her brain, coordination and thought processes. She
takes part in Enhanced Fitness at PP&R’s St. Johns Commu
nity Center and also sampled the Brainpower Boost class
with cognitive skills trainer Victoria Morgan.
Brainpower Boost involves fun, interactive games and
continued
on page 16