NORTHFIELD — The Senior Center recently hired a second instructor for its “Healthy Bones and Balance” classes, and is now holding a class every Wednesday in Town Hall.
“I think that the name tells you it all,” said instructor Dorothy Parrill. “We know that falls are a major problem with older people. The program helps strengthen bones and muscles to improve balance.”
According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence, and generate enormous economic and personal costs.
However, falling is not an inevitable result of aging. The National Council on Aging states that through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based fall prevention programs and clinical-community partnerships, the number of falls among seniors can be substantially reduced.
Northfield’s strength building program for men and women can help prevent falls for local community members. It is held every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the second floor of Town Hall. There is an elevator available at the ground level and parking at the rear of the building. It is sponsored by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and is free, with no sign-ups needed.
Parrill, 72, has been holding the classes for the past few years. The center recently hired Betty Witchomb as the second instructor.
“We are very excited that we have another trained instructor to fill in the other weeks,” Parrill said.
Parrill originally began leading the “Healthy Bones and Balance” classes at the Northfield Senior Center after the previous instructor, who was over 90 years old, retired. Now, outgoing Senior Center Director Heather Tower asked her to take up the mantle and keep the classes going.
“She sort of knew that I’m an exercise fanatic,” Parrill said. “I’m a big believer in exercise.”
Making time for active movement and exercise is increasingly important for seniors, she said. In addition to preventing falls, the classes strengthen muscles, improve mobility and flexibility, help seniors maintain social ties, and improve cognitive function and mental health.
“There is a real social aspect to it,” Parrill said.
The class provides a community activity, where residents can expect to see familiar faces. Being familiar with other class members helps encourage participants to return, and helps encourage them to maintain and improve their physicality.
According to Parrill, some of the exercises include tracking patterns and movements during physical exercises, which stimulates the brain.
Participants can opt to use hand or ankle weights as part of their exercises and stretching. The class also has modifications so that people of different ability levels can partake, Parrill said, plus supports for those who need it as they conduct standing, leg and ankle exercises.
As an advocate for the benefits of staying active, Parrill said she is looking forward to growing the classes. She said it may be easier for members to attend now that classes are offered weekly.
Similar “Healthy Bones and Balance” classes are being offered at the Bernardston Senior Center, each Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The Bernardston classes are led by certified RSVP volunteers and YMCA staff. Exercise and health programs are sponsored in part by Title III grants from LifePath and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
A suggested donation is $1 per class.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 264.