Health and Wellness celebrated at The Fountains

MILLBROOK— Since 2003, one week each year has been set aside to inspire seniors, those 55 years of age or older, to lead healthier and more active lives. It has become a tradition in clubs, community centers, parks and recreation centers, for groups and individuals alike.  

It was started by the International Council on Active Aging, (ICAA), and has spread across the United States, Canada and abroad. This year it was celebrated from Sept. 23 through Sept. 29, and there were exercise classes, health fairs, farmers markets and many other events to mark the occasion.

At the senior living facility The Fountains in Millbrook, Community Life Director Lisa Rieckermann offered five classes, starting with a balance and strengthening class on Sunday, Sept. 23, with Cris Caivano, an expert in yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi. Seventeen Fountains residents attended, and one nonresident, as it was open to the public. Many of the participants were in their 80s and even some in their 90s. Caivano reported that they all did well.

Other classes throughout the week included a gentle stretch class, a senior injury prevention class, a stretch bands class and a Tai Chi class. All of the classes were open to seniors in the Millbrook community free of charge.

The 2018 theme was “Inspiring Wellness,” and promoted wellness in the form of physical and mental activity, recognizing that living well while aging is a multidimensional model, one that encourages lifelong learning, communication and emotional growth. 

Rieckermann said The Fountains residents enjoyed the week-long classes and many do some form of exercise on a regular basis. She was disappointed that more Millbrook seniors didn’t attend.

The Fountains is a residential community for seniors, located in Millbrook. It offers many opportunities for the residents to share their interests with the outside community, in the forms of musical programs, art shows and many forums throughout the year. 

There is an art exhibit that changes every month consisting of paintings, drawings, carvings and photography done by the residents at the on-site studio. The exhibits are open to the public.

For musical programs, forums and other programs open to the public, go to www.millbrook.watermarkcommunities.com.

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