(Topeka, Kan., April 25, 2011) – HealthWise 55 is celebrating its 20th anniversary with special events throughout the year. This year’s theme is “Aging is a Work of Art.” During Older Americans Month in May, several special programs have been planned, and anyone 55 years of age or older is invited to attend.
- The celebration kicks off Monday, May 2, with an afternoon of bingo and fun. The event is free and open to the public from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Loyal Order of the Moose, 1901 N. Kansas Ave. Popcorn and drinks will be provided and sponsored by Women of the Moose.
- Lace up your sneakers on May 4 for a Day at the YMCA. Classes and informational booths will be available from 9 a.m. to noon at the Southwest YMCA, 3635 S.W. Chelsea Drive. The event is free and open to the public. (For media coverage of this event, see the schedule below.)
- The HealthWise 55 Senior Supper on May 10 will feature Jerry Old, M.D., with a presentation appropriately titled “Aging is a Work of Art.” The supper begins at 5:15 p.m. at the Pozez Education Center, 1505 S.W. 8th Ave., and Dr. Old will speak from 6 to 6:45 p.m. The cost is $5 per person and you must be a member of HealthWise 55 to attend. Call (785) 354-6787 to make your reservation.
HealthWise 55 began as a health care resource for members 55 and older in 1991. Membership featured a newsletter, the AARP 55 Alive Driver Safety Program and a few other programs related to services at Stormont-Vail, such as blood pressure checks and medication counseling.
Today, HealthWise 55 still offers the services it began with two decades ago, but it has expanded to include numerous other programs including monthly Senior Suppers and Lunch Bunches, an information phone line, television programs and exercise classes.
Membership is free. To join or for more information about HealthWise 55 go to www.stormontvail.org, call (785) 354-6787 or stop by the HealthWise 55 office at 2252 S.W. 10th (corner of 10th and Plass).
Day at the YMCA Schedule, May 4:
- 9 a.m. to Noon – Booths, display, freebies and food samples
- 9 to 10 a.m. – Silver Sneakers Exercise Class for a Cardio Workout
- 9 to 9:30 a.m. – “Living in a High Tech Society,” Aaron Koker, president, Home Connections
- 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. – Aqua Exercises for Arthritis
- 10 to 10:30 a.m. – "Keeping Your Balance," Karen Farron, OT, Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital
- 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Open Swim (on your own)
- 11 to 11:30 a.m. – Silver Sneakers Exercise Class for Balance
- 1 to 2 p.m. – Silver Splash (Increase your agility, range of motion and cardio conditioning in the pool)
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