 Home | Recent News | Parsons | Another Healthy Year 01 Jan 2008 Manor residents ready for another healthy yearDon’t tell Charlotte Seifert she’s too old to exercise—she’ll have none of that. Seifert, a retired schoolteacher, homemaker and resident at Presbyterian Manor, regularly takes part in a self-directed exercise class at the Manor. Using videotapes, Seifert and other active residents bend, stretch and build their bodies several times a week. Seifert, who says she is “in pretty good health” at 82, adds that the class is a prime investment of her time, and she reaps the dividends. “It helps me a lot,” she says. Along with the strength building Seifert gets in the Manor’s exercise class, she walks, which helps her cardiovascular endurance. Prior to joining the Manor’s 40-minute class, she would go the downtown Parsons seniors’ center to take part in its exercise class, but the Manor’s class is so much more convenient, she says. “Mrs. Seifert is not alone in her efforts to stay healthy at the Manor and our full-service active living and wellness community stands ready to assist them in their efforts,” says marketing director Mark Johnston. Whether it be stretching out in exercise classes or learning a new art technique, the community’s residents can live an active and fulfilling life in their golden years. “We promote healthy living here and give people lots of choices to do that,” he said. Finding balance Along with the self-directed class Seifert takes part in, the Manor offers an instructor-led class, which designed so residents of all ages and abilities can take part. For some, that means doing the exercises from a wheelchair, but the important thing, Johnston says, is that they are doing something. “They swing their arms and kick their feet and that movement helps them in their daily lives,” he said. “The better shape residents are in, the less dependent they are on others for assistance with simple daily tasks.” Amanda Chandler, activities director for the Manor and a professional trainer, said exercise is an important part of life for residents. “It gets people up and out and away from their rooms,” she said. “Mainly what I’ve noticed is improved balance,” she said. “It helps build their balance and they’re not so dependent.” More than working the body, there is time for mental exercise, too. Chandler has what she calls a “day in history” session after the class in which she talks about historical events on that day. That routine helps residents with their memory power. There also is a time to socialize, a vital part of the class, she said. For residents who want a bit more exercise, a walking club meets every day after lunch for a 10- to 15-minute fitness journey through the Manor’s hallways or grounds. Healthy living The Parsons seniors are doing exactly what the American Heart Association recommends: that seniors perform moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 30 minutes, five days
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