Active Aging Week gets seniors moving
By Sande Snead CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Debbie Leidheiser has been the county's senior advocate for less than a month, but already she's logging another first for Chesterfield. On Sept. 24-28, the county will participate in the international Active Aging Week for the first time ever.

Held the last week of September each year, Active Aging Week was initiated by the International Council on Active Aging to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle on a national scale by giving as many older adults as possible the means to experience activities and exercise in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere.

"One of the reasons for the week is to shine the spotlight on leading an active life and promoting fitness so that seniors do not retire and find themselves sitting in front of the TV trying to figure out what to do," Leidheiser said.

A number of free classes are being offered in the county to celebrate the week. There are classes at the YMCA, local libraries, the Lifelong Learning Institute and the Shepherd's Center of Chesterfield. Line dancing, healthy eating, indoor cycling, Tai Chi and other activities are planned. The kickoff is at 2 p.m. on Sept. 24 at the Chester YMCA.

The Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Department is planning to move its regular walking club times to Tuesday and Thursday during Active Aging Week.

"We're also doing a cooperative program with the library called, 'Get in the Know,'" said Judy Jones, senior recreation specialist with the county's parks and recreation department. "This will be held at the Midlothian Library on Wednesday and is about choosing a healthy future."

Active aging means living life as fully as possible within the six dimensions of wellness that include emotional, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual and social. Physical activity is one wellness dimension in particular that is focused on through a number of programs during the week. The idea is that physical activity positively influences all of life's areas by improving physical function and mental skills, improving outlooks and offering social contact.

The overriding goals of Active Aging Week are to encourage older adults who have never participated in wellness activities to try one, and to inspire people who do participate to maintain or increase their levels of activity.

"We're finding that most older adults are interested in healthy aging and in finding active activities to engage in," Jones said. "Whether it be walking, biking or kayaking, we are trying to showcase all of the different options especially during this week."

"Chesterfield Celebrates Active Aging Week" is sponsored by the Chesterfield Partnership for Successful Aging (CPSA). CPSA is a partnership among Chesterfield County departments and nonprofit organizations that seeks ways to coordinate and strengthen services for older adults. The partnership is committed to helping older adults in Chesterfield County lead active, independent and fulfilling lives.

For more information on Active Aging Week, go to www.icaa.cc/aaw.htm.