By Carol Leish, M.A. –
The Ventura Family YMCA offers an Active Older Adults (AOA) program designed to help adults stay healthy, connected and engaged through physical activity, social interaction and wellness programs. Additional offerings include SilverSneakers classes and senior-focused fitness programming.
Group exercise classes for older adults include Chair Yoga, Zumba Gold, SilverSneakers Yoga, SilverSneakers Splash (water fitness), Tai Chi and water fitness classes. Water fitness offerings include Senior Swim, adult swim lessons, and therapy
pool access for rehabilitation and low-impact exercise.
These low-impact classes help improve balance, strength, flexibility, mobility and cardiovascular health. Chair Yoga and Tai Chi are especially popular among older adults seeking gentle yet effective exercise.
All YMCA members receive free access to YMCA360, which offers adult fitness programming through on-demand and live-streaming classes. Recommended classes for older adults include Chair Yoga, Zumba Gold, Senior Spin, Tai Chi and water fitness. Silversneakers is a health plan benefit offered through many Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement insurance plans. Eligible members may receive YMCA membership through their insurance provider. The YMCA also participates in other third-party fitness programs, including Silver&Fit, Active&Fit, One Pass and Renew Active. Eligibility and age requirements vary by insurance plan.
“The YMCA’s mission is to strengthen the community by nurturing the spirit, mind and body of every individual,” said Kate Bucey, director of wellness and development. “For seniors, this means physical wellness through exercise and aquatics; mental wellness through learning, movement and healthy living; and social and emotional wellness through relationships, volunteering and community involvement.
“The Ventura Family YMCA is much more than a gym,” said Brian Stevens, membership director. “We are a community center committed to helping people of all ages live healthier, happier lives. For our active older adults, we provide opportunities for fitness, friendship, purpose and connection. Whether it’s a water fitness class, a SilverSneakers program, a volunteer opportunity or simply meeting friends at the Y, we want every senior to feel welcomed, supported and part of our YMCA family.”
For more information, including membership details, visit ciymca.org. To learn more about SilverSneakers, visit silversneakers.com.
