According to the National Institute on Aging, physical activity is important for everyone, including older adults. No matter your health and physical abilities, you can gain a lot by staying active. In fact, studies show that “taking it easy” is risky. Often, inactivity is more to blame than age when older people lose the ability to do things on their own. Lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses.
In keeping with its mission to create a supportive environment that promotes active aging for seniors, Live Well Kingston in partnership with the Holistic Health Community and Midtown Rising Community Hub at the Broadway Bubble, held a 4-week Chair Zumba series in March led by instructor Dr. Shellie G. Fraddin, Ph.D., a Holistic Health Practitioner Specializing in Health and Longevity. We asked Dr. Fraddin about the benefits of Zumba and to share her personal insights on aging well.
What is Chair Zumba and how can it help us to age well?
Most people who know about Zumba see that it’s fast and exciting with Latin dance steps. People over age 55 may have some physical challenges and might say “I can’t do that”. I believe that everyone can dance at some level. I teach a level of Zumba in a chair for people who don’t normally go to a gym or dance studio. I teach Zumba in intervals of both sitting and standing. People may feel intimidated by Zumba and are self-conscious that they’re not good dancers. The way I teach it, it doesn’t matter if you make a mistake, The way I teach it is about moving your body. The class is watching me move, and following my changing movements. This builds new brain cells, improves your balance, it stimulates your nervous system, and you get a good workout. Focusing on Zumba helps those negative emotions disappear. I ask people, what’s your stress level on a scale of 1 – 10 when you start my class. 99% of people say they feel better when they leave the class. It releases endorphins in the brain. That’s my purpose, to get people moving, having fun and being with other people. Whether they came in with a walker, a cane, or a disability. Anything they can do to move is working.
Tell us how you Age Well.
It’s multidimensional, it’s not just one thing. I exercise 1 – 3 times a week. Whether I’m teaching or running up and down the stairs (I live on the 3rfd floor with 6 flights of stairs). I wear a Fitbit so I can track my steps. I try to get up to 10,000 steps a day if I can. I don’t go to the gym. I do walking, hiking, and dancing. I even park further away to get more steps in. I eat 90% organic foods and I’m particular about how I prepare my foods. I juice, make smoothies, and eat organic meat, poultry and lots of vegetables. I do a lot of mental training and personal development courses to learn more about myself, how to manage my thinking so I’m not controlled by negative thinking. In 1980 I began taking courses with Landmark Forum and I’ve been taking courses with them ever since. I’m constantly challenging my brain to build new brain cells and keep learning, that’s a big part of staying healthy as I age.
Chair Zumba classes were well attended and enjoyed by participants who gave unanimous testimonials on the benefits they experienced during the four weeks of classes. By popular demand, the Holistic Health Community will sponsor another round of Chair Zumba classes at the Broadway Bubble. A six week session will begin on March 16. To register, contact the city of Kingston Health and Wellness Department at (845) 334 – 3951.
Photo left: Zumba Instructor Dr. Shellie G. Fraddin, Ph.D. “I inspire older people to live life with passion and purpose”
To learn more about Shellie, check out her website, www.shelliefraddin.com Shellie’s book can be found here, The Goddess Road Trip Manual: A Spiritual Journey to Get You from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be: Lifestyle Coach Specializing in Women’s Health – Kindle edition by Fraddin Ph.D., Dr. Shellie Gretah. Self-Help Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com
For more information on the benefits of active aging, visit the national Institute on Aging Real-Life Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity | National Institute on Aging
