This summer, The Osborn cut the ribbon on a new Fitness Center just in time for National Senior Health & Fitness Day, and received a Certificate of Merit from State Senator George Latimer for the initiative.

This summer, The Osborn cut the ribbon on a new Fitness Center just in time for National Senior Health & Fitness Day, and received a Certificate of Merit from State Senator George Latimer for the initiative.

The new Fitness Center features state-of-the-art exercise equipment that is geared for safe use by an elder population. Rye Y personal trainers provide instruction and supervision at scheduled times for optimum use of the 12 machines. The adjacent Aerobics Center is for Stretch, Yoga, and Balance Classes; across the hall is the Natatorium indoor pool where residents enjoy water aerobics classes, do laps, or just enjoy a swim.

The Fitness Center is part of an overall wellness program offered at Sterling Park, the 188-unit Independent Living community at The Osborn. “We see wellness as a lifestyle at the Osborn,” said Sterling Park Vice President Janet Malang. “In addition to fitness, we offer educational and social programs to promote the health and well being of our residents.”

The Sterling Park Residents Association Wellness Committee was front and center at the event. Their focus groups among the community members identified the best use of the space and provided valuable input throughout the process. Under the leadership of Sterling Park resident Mrs. Sandra Mager, The Osborn’s Wellness Committee addresses the seven dimensions of wellness for healthy living: Spiritual, Intellectual, Social, Physical, Emotional, Environmental, and Vocational.

Other aspects of the wellness program include a recent film and lecture series on “Optimizing Brain Functions,” part of the Brain Health series offered by Great Courses, and a six-week course on “The Mystery of Sleep,” offered last winter in partnership with Yale Alumni College, that illustrated how sleep impacts cognition. Last month, Dr. Raj Buddhavarapu (Dr. Buddha), M.D., Director of Geriatric & Palliative Care at White Plains Hospital, spoke with residents about the normal aging process and the importance of an integrative approach that includes proper nutrition, exercise, and a positive attitude.

The Osborn is a member of The International Council on Active Aging that reports physical, intellectual, social, vocational, emotional, and spiritual activity – wellness – is the key to elders keeping their health, mental skills and quality of life. To read more on the impact of exercise on aging and practical, self-guided programs, visit www.nia.nih.gov/ Go4Life.