When resident Lorraine Highkin was looking for some more physical activity, the group was a hit. She’s now known among her peers for her lightning-fast reflexes, built from muscle memory during her tennis playing years. “My body’s accustomed to moving,” Lorraine said. “Ping-Pong keeps me active.”

For others, table tennis appeals to their competitive side. Evan Custer, who is in charge of the group, has a passion for sports and is always looking to better his game. His responsibilities include rotating players and keeping score. In the past, he’s organized tournaments where residents play against staff members round-robin style.

Whether playing singles or doubles, table tennis gives Evan the chance to practice key skills like hand-eye coordination. Jill Custer, Evan’s wife, says table tennis helps players stay sharp. “One of the people who got me into Ping-Pong here was an older gentleman with Parkinson’s,” she noted. “Despite his illness, he was a good player.” Even players who haven’t picked up a paddle in 50 years quickly find their chops again.

In the eight years that Evan and Jill have lived at St. Paul’s Towers, they have made the table tennis court their second home. Along with a half dozen other core members, they create a welcoming environment for residents to socialize. “Anyone who wants to come can join,” Evan said. “It’s lots of fun.”

Each group practice is an hour long and prospective players can drop in whenever they would like. Whether a newcomer to the sport or a seasoned player, they’re sure to have a good time. Lorraine sure does. “It’s a bright spot in my day,” she said.

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Staying fit, independent and preventing falls are the goals of many residents.

That is why the community offers a customized fitness program designed to increase energy and vitality, improve muscular strength, balance, cardiovascular health, and confidence. One of the ways they do this is by using HUR, a specialized strength training solution specifically designed for older adults in senior living communities and skilled nursing rehabilitation centers. The equipment, developed from research by Helsinki University Research (HUR) in Finland, provides a safe, easy to use, and effective full body workout for wellness, preventive, rehabilitative, and maintenance training.

“What makes the HUR equipment unique is its versatility and ease of use,” said Sunny View’s Wellness Coordinator Alicia Estrada. “It uses smart technology to remember the user, is designed for ease of getting on and off, and allows residents to work out on their own schedules. Making exercising fun and something residents can do on their own increases participation. We have seen that happen here at Sunny View.”

Using the equipment is simple. Residents first meet with Alicia and establish goals such as improving strength, stamina or a desire to work on a specific part of the body, like arms or legs. Alicia develops an individual program for each resident and enters that person’s information into a database. Residents are then given a wristband that they can scan into the HUR system.

The high-tech machines are linked to a computer, which automatically determines a user’s workout based on a routine pre-programmed into the wristband. Alicia receives feedback from the system and can adjust routines as needed. Feedback also includes attendance and progress reports. This is particularly helpful for residents undergoing rehabilitation.

Fall prevention is key in senior communities because falls are so problematic. One in three Americans over the age of 65 falls every year, putting them at risk for debilitating fractures, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Alicia said after reading several studies on fall prevention, she initiated her own study that found residents who exercised more were less likely to fall.

The HUR equipment uses computerized air pressure that is gentler on aging joints, according to the company. The resistance is smoother and simulates muscle movement compared to weight stacking machines.

“I like the concept of working out on my own,” said resident Don Garabedian. “I just scan my wristband and I’m all set. Everything is set up automatically for me.”

“This equipment has made me more independent,” said resident Linda Smith. “I’ve been working out since September and I have noticed a difference.”

The HUR machines join a list of wellness amenities at Sunny View including the innovative anti-gravity treadmill and CyberCycle.

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May 30, 2018 marked the 25th anniversary of National Senior Health and Fitness Day, which is observed annually on the last Wednesday in May. We interviewed Esteban Sahade, Wellness Coordinator for St. Paul’s Towers, for his insights on senior health and fitness. 

How did you get involved in senior health and fitness?

When I was in grad school I took an internship to work in health and fitness with seniors. It was an opportunity to learn something I was little familiar with. As I started I discovered a new, fascinating world. I felt that all my previous training, experience and even my personality came together and preparing me for that. Soon afterwards I knew it was what I wanted to do from that moment on.

What (if anything) is different about senior health and fitness from being a fitness trainer for other populations?

From a fitness perspective I think it’s a most rewarding experience. You can positively impact so many lives. With a relatively small investment of time and energy you can see fast and profound functional changes. You’re directly helping them improving their quality of life, independence, and dignity.  Besides that, older adults recognize and are grateful for any effort, little or big, in helping them improve, and the time you put into it.

What do you think would surprise people about senior fitness?

One thing that surprises many people is to know that the rate of improvement in some fitness components, like muscular strength, is similar for people in their 90s and people in their 20s. There are challenges, but with good care, the right stimulus, and in the absence of disease and injuries/accidents, the aging human body is capable of outstanding physical achievements, as shown by the performance of senior athletes who train and compete in many sports and age categories, including 100+.

What do you recommend for someone who wants to stay fit and healthy as a senior?

Find activities you like and enjoy. Exercise is not really necessary if you have a diverse physically active lifestyle. The movement involved in regular activities such as grocery shopping, gardening, domestic chores, visiting friends or family, playing with your grandchildren, walking your dog, dancing, travelling, etc., may be all the stimulus your body needs to stay fit and healthy. Add movement throughout your day; for example, stand more times, walk more when you have the opportunity (or create some), and use the stairs if you can.

Why is it important to recognize senior health and fitness?

Because it’s not about exercise, it’s about life and dignity. Failing to recognize its importance creates a negative social conditioning. Even if times have changed, many people, including family members, still think that their elders are too old or too frail to move or to exercise. This results in lost opportunities and motivation for seniors to get more fit and be healthier, creating an environment that leads them to an accelerated decline and functional loss.

What have you learned from working with seniors on health and fitness?

It doesn’t matter how active (or little active) you’ve been all your life. It’s never too late to start moving more, or different, and increase your body functional capacity which will result in positive changes in your life, improved wellbeing (not only physical, but also psychological, emotional, and even social), and better quality of life.

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