Forget “50 is the new 40” or even “the new 30.” Age 50 is about moving forward. That’s why the YMCA and Pfizer Inc launched 50 MOVING FORWARD, a healthy living plan designed to motivate adults 50 years and older with fresh ideas around behaviors that experts say are crucial to healthy aging: physical activity; preventive measures like screenings and vaccinations; healthy eating; and social interaction.
Those who want practical
information, tips and activities that will help them build a healthier future
can enroll for free starting today through May 18th in person at any YMCA location or online at
YMCA.net/50MovingForward.
“Adults 50 years and older are the fastest growing age
group at the Y, so it’s important that we offer resources geared toward this
population. 50 MOVING FORWARD does exactly that in an environment
that allows adults to focus on health, fitness, preventive measures and fun,”
says Dianne Saccone, Y spokesperson for 50 Moving
Forward. “50 MOVING FORWARD offers interesting and motivating
activities that enhance the physical, mental and social well-being of adults 50
and older.”
50 MOVING FORWARD: A Wide-Ranging Approach for a Growing, Aging
Population
Adults 50 years and older currently make up more than
30 percent of the US population, and by 2015, they are expected to represent 45
percent of Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) suggests that adults 50 and older have a 70 percent chance of developing
at least one chronic disease. That’s why the Y, one of
the nation’s leading nonprofits dedicated to improving the
nation’s health, teamed up with Pfizer, with its
health care expertise, to develop 50 MOVING
FORWARD. Together, they are working with older adults to help
them address their health and well-being.
50 MOVING FORWARD goes beyond the basic tenets of
healthy eating and physical activity and highlights the importance of helping
prevent health problems before they arise through screenings and vaccinations, and
the health benefits of staying socially active and connected. One of
the most beneficial things people can do is take steps to prevent illness. Even those
who already practice healthy habits should be aware of things that may affect
their health because as people age, their immune systems naturally begin to
weaken.
While it’s important to eat
well and be active, 50 MOVING FORWARD
urges individuals to talk with their health care provider about getting regular
health screenings and keeping vaccinations current. Every year, hundreds of
thousands of American adults are hospitalized from diseases such as influenza,
shingles and pneumococcus that could have been prevented by vaccination.
“50 MOVING FORWARD is about taking a comprehensive
approach to health through healthy eating, being physically active, taking
preventive measures and staying socially active,” said Diane
Saccone, Y
participant, “But what I’m looking forward to is bringing together others like me to
create a sense of community so we can tackle these life challenges together.”
50 MOVING FORWARD: Journey to a Healthier Future
Whether those 50 years and
older are just getting started or are already practicing healthy habits, 50 MOVING FORWARD will help adults overcome
barriers to making healthy lifestyle choices. Participants can enroll:
- In person at any YMCA location where they can join in wellness events and activity classes designed for adults 50 years and older
- Online at YMCA.net/50MovingForward, where they can opt-in to receive e-mails providing information, tips, patient/health care provider discussion guides and activities that can be incorporated anywhere, anytime
YMCA of Western
North Carolina is one of 25 across the country that will offer specially designed
50 MOVING FORWARD weekly wellness events, classes
and workshops. Both YMCA members and nonmembers are invited to join 50 MOVING FORWARD [for free]. A
full calendar of events is available at ymcawnc.org
50 MOVING FORWARD events include:
- Group Exercise Classes
- Clubs such as softball, hiking, knitting, scrapbooking, gardening
- April 1st Launch celebration at the Woodfin YMCA from 5 to 7:30 pm
For more information,
contact us at:
YMCA of Western
North Carolina
828 505 3990
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