With every New Year comes a slew of resolutions, many revolving around fitness or ways to improve health, and looking to more active seniors could give others the inspiration they need to stick to them. Many people in their 70s, 80s and 90s at Moldaw Residences believe the key to feeling good, staying healthy, and living a long life is to participate in a regular fitness routine. Liz Brownell, 81-year-old Moldaw resident, swims 20 laps five days a week in the pool for exercise. Lucille Brown, 91-year-old Moldaw resident, swims, walks and participates in Feldenkrais several days a week. Elaine Desser, 79-year-old Moldaw resident, swims, lifts weights and does aerobics a few days a week.

“There is no question that exercise makes a difference, and my body requires it to stay healthy. If I don’t participate in physical activity, I tend to be sluggish,” said Brown. “Some days are easier than others, and sometimes you have to push harder. I value health because I want to live as long as I can. I believe everyone should stay active.”

Moldaw Residences is adjacent to the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC). The location gives all of the residents access to the OFJCC Goldman Sports & Wellness Complex which many use regularly.

“Swimming is my thing. It’s different for everyone. I swim five days a week in the morning, and I feel energized once I’m done,” said Brownell. “I alternate strokes, work on flexibility, focus on breathing, and it helps to keep my knees strong. I enjoy getting out and moving. I even like to take chair yoga and balance classes once a week to help me move more easily.”

Some residents who currently find themselves working out a few days a week plan to kick it into high gear in 2013, and they encourage the public to do the same.

“If I’m being really honest with myself, I probably work out twice a week. I would like go more this year. Every time I go, I feel healthier and I know I am doing the right thing,” said Desser. “I am an active person, and I need to involve myself in fitness. Without it, I know I will lose strength and balance. There are so many options out there, and I know there is something for everyone.”

Moldaw Residences is an innovative senior community designed especially to promote active healthy lifestyles. The Goldman Sports & Wellness Complex staff members find it encouraging to see so many seniors using the fitness facility.

“We have a unique environment on the Taube Koret Campus that encourages seniors to fully benefit from exercise opportunities especially suited to their needs,” said Todd Milton, OFJCC director of the Goldman Sports & Wellness Complex. “We love having the residents from Moldaw working out in the pool, group exercise rooms, on the treadmills and using the weight machines. These active residents prove that healthy living and vitality are ageless.”

The residents’ commitment to fitness and an active lifestyle rubs off on the staff and inspires them as well.

“There is nothing like seeing someone in her 90s hit the pool to work out! The residents here truly embrace life, and I think we can all learn from their example,” said Gerry Vadnais, executive director of Moldaw Residences. “There is no other senior community that has the opportunity for wellness and fitness designed into it the way that it is here, making it easier and more convenient for our residents to remain active. It was part of the vision when this community was created and it’s wonderful to see it come to life.”

ABOUT MOLDAW RESIDENCES
Moldaw Residences is an innovative senior living community located at the 8.5 acre Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life, adjacent to the 130,000 square foot Oshman Family Jewish Community Center. As a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), Moldaw Residences enables older adults to age in place by providing independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Opened in 2009, Moldaw Residences offers 193 maintenance free, spacious apartment homes with full kitchens and extensive social and cultural amenities. Affiliated with the Jewish Senior Living Group, it is open to all faiths, ethnicities, and racial background.

For more information about Moldaw Residences, visit www.moldaw.org or call (800) 873-9614.