GREENFIELD — Franklin County’s YMCA invites adults ages 60 and older to the annual Healthy Aging Fair, a free community event dedicated to helping older adults stay active, informed and connected.
The event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the YMCA’s gymnasium at 451 Main St.
YMCA-certified trainers will lead attendees through free functional fitness assessments measuring upper and lower body strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance and balance. In 20 minutes, participants will receive personalized feedback compared to national fitness benchmarks, plus individualized tips to enhance their wellness.
“This fair has become a trusted event for our 60-plus community, connecting them with fitness and health resources for a well-rounded, informative experience,” Jayne Trosin, the YMCA’s health and wellness director, said in a statement. “With the help of local service vendors, we’re thrilled to offer flu, pneumonia and COVID vaccines (bring your Medicare cards), blood pressure checks, balance screenings and even relaxing chair massages.”
New to this year’s lineup, attendees can try a Blue Goji bike, an interactive fitness experience that measures how the brain performs in seven key cognitive areas: memory, processing time, perception, attention, motor skills, executive function and sensation. As a person plays, the Blue Goji system tracks their progress and shows which parts of the brain are being engaging.
Attendees can also take a free Brain Health Yoga class, blending gentle stretching, mindful breathing and light memory challenges. This emerging approach has been shown to support brain function, reduce stress and help prevent cognitive decline. Sessions will be offered at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Registration is required.
“The evidence supporting yoga’s role in brain health has really gained traction,” YMCA yoga instructor Barbara Polowy said in a statement. “Yoga may protect brain function as we age while offering all its familiar benefits for flexibility, balance and overall well-being.”
Through programs like Prescribe the Y, developed with local physicians, Franklin County’s YMCA continues to expand fitness options, including access to the pool and the Fit Life Center, and classes like yoga, tai chi and cycling.
“Many healthy agers are joining — or rejoining — the Y to build strength, endurance and a sense of community,” Trosin added. “Often, the feeling of aging is more about inactivity than age itself. Our Y supports over 1,000 active older adult members through swimming, strength training, group exercise and even pickleball.”
The Healthy Aging Fair also brings together local health and wellness organizations, giving participants the chance to explore services, gather resources and connect with others.
For more information, call the Y at 413-773-3646, ext. 0.