In honor of National Senior Health and Fitness Day, Vaughan Wellness and Fitness Center (VWFC) is hosting special activities for the older members of the community.

“We’re going to have a two-day event because we can’t do everything (that we have planned) in one day,” said Tameka Little, VWFC Manager. “We’re going to have a pharmacist come in and talk about hip and knee pain and medication related to osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, and other issues.”

A nurse from the UAB/Selma Family Medicine Center and Residency Program will perform health screenings for conditions that commonly affect seniors. In addition, participants will be given opportunities to win prizes.

Although Little is excited about the event, she did point out that the VWFC already provides activities for seniors.

“We have a (weekly) senior citizen program,” Little said. “They come in and do low impact aerobics to help them with their range of motion, balance, and flexibility.”

Little said that in addition to the physical benefits of the senior program, it also provides them with emotional benefits.

“They come in and meet different people in the class and become friends,” she said. “It’s a time that they can socialize.”

“We are here to help all age groups, not just one particular group,” Little said. “We’re here to help everyone reach their fitness goals. That’s why we are so unique.”

“I believe that seniors should always be involved,” she said. “Sometimes we think seniors are too old to do anything – we just want to put them in a rocking chair and leave. I want to help them keep moving and lead longer lives.”

Observed each year on the last Wednesday in May, National Senior Health & Fitness Day is the nation’s largest annual health promotion event for older adults.

The theme for this year is

“Get Moving…It’s a Step in the Right Direction!”

VWFC’s Senior Health and Fitness Days will be held Tuesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Afternoon activities for both days are still being scheduled.

For more information about the Senior Health and Fitness Days, please contact Little at (334) 875-7500.