With almost a fifth of the population falling into the over 60 demographic, the health of these seniors impacts the community in a significant way. The Barren County YMCA’s senior health fair is taking strides in making sure our aging citizens can continue contributing to the community and maintain a healthy active lifestyle.
Former Barren County Educator and YMCA instructor, Terry Reed emphasized the importance of becoming more health conscious as a person ages.
Reed’s class, named “Silver Sneakers” is specifically geared toward seniors, with class sizes ranging from 85-100 members. These classes are not only accommodating to individuals that may be just beginning their fitness journey, but also gives the seniors much needed social engagement to keep them mentally and emotionally stimulated.
The senior health fair had several speakers, with a pillar of the community, Doctor Bharat Mody being one of them. Speaking to a gymnasium filled with local seniors, Mody mirrored Reed’s enthusiasm on the benefits of healthy living for Barren County’s elders. Mody also spoke on the importance of regular medical checkups and attentiveness to taking appropriate medications.
With the need in the community made evident, the YMCA dusted off the idea of hosting the fair and opened its doors to our senior citizens with a variety of vendors from health to homecare as YMCA community outreach Director Libby Short explains.
Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Sheila Perkins, was another speaker for the event, but rather than educating seniors on their physical health, Perkins spoke to the group about financial health and fraud prevention. “I’m so happy to be a part of this event,” she said. “It’s wonderful to be giving these people the tools they need to properly identify scams and, hopefully, prevent them from falling victim to fraud.”
Between directing speakers and seniors, as well as announcing prizes given out, Short summarized what the event was all about.
The electric event saw both of the YMCA’s basketball gyms packed with seniors winning prizes, collecting information, and exercising, the fiery spirit that each senior exhibited proved the adage that “you’re only as old as you feel.”
