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The project was promised to the seniors by Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell when she declared 2014 “The Year of the Senior,” according to a press release.
“If you want to know how your children will treat you when you grow old, remember they are watching how you treat your elders now,” said Odell in a press release. “So let’s show the generation behind us how we honor our elders – with gratitude and respect.”
The size of exercise room was increased from approximately 360 square feet to approximately 800 square feet.
The seniors are welcoming the change, according to a press release.
“I usually get 15 to 25 students in my class,” said George D’Alessandro of Carmel, the fitness class instructor, in a press release. “We used to have a waiting list of participants and I was limited before as to what type of exercises I could teach because of balance and safety issues. Now we have a balance bar and extra space so I have the freedom to teach a lot more.”
In addition to the chair fitness class on Wednesdays, the Carmel Friendship Center offers other fitness classes throughout the week, such as Zumba, yoga, line dancing and Tai Chi, according to a press release.
Helping Putnam senior citizens stay active as they successfully progress through the “continuum of aging” is a role the Office for Senior Resources Director Patricia Sheehy relishes, according to a press release.
“Seniors live healthier and happier lives if they exercise and participate in fitness activities,” said Sheehy in a press release. “We used to have to limit the number of classes a senior could attend to make sure that everyone had an opportunity to go. Now we encourage them to attend as many classes as they want.”
According to the state Office for Aging, Putnam’s senior population, those ages 60 and older, account for 1 in every 4 residents in Putnam County. The Carmel Friendship Center serves seniors in Carmel, Kent, Patterson and Brewster.
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