Active Seniors Celebrated During Senior Health And Fitness Day

SAN DIEGO, CA — Although Francis Aguilera suffered a stroke a year ago, she is thriving today, thanks in part to the engaging exercise programs at St. Paul's Senior Services.

The 87-year-old and her husband, Joseph Aguilera, were two of the active and inspiring seniors celebrated during National Senior Health and Fitness Day at St. Paul's Senior Services.

The nonprofit and full-service retirement provider offers independent, assisted living and skilled nursing communities, as well as child and senior day care programs and PACE, a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly.

The organization celebrated Senior Health and Fitness Day May 31 at St. Paul's Plaza in Chula Vista. The event featured intergenerational active games with preschoolers from neighboring Kids Depot of Otay Ranch, as well as a picnic and an awards ceremony.

Francis and Joseph Aguilera won the "Move It or Lose It Award." An enthusiastic dancer, Joseph Aguilera, 91, encourages his wife to join him in a variety of exercise classes.

"We want to live longer," he told Patch. "We enjoy the classes and improving mentally as well."

Ruby Miller, who has lived at St. Paul's Plaza for five years, was recognized as "Plaza Influencer." She runs a "move and groove" chair exercise class on Mondays. Miller is also St. Paul's Plaza's in-house tap dancer and loves to dance whenever she can.

Miller said she was honored to receive the award. She added that it is important to stay fit both physically and mentally so she can "feel better and can do more."

"They always have classes to work out," she told Patch.

Dot Barrett, 87, received the "Motion is the Lotion Award." Barrett, who has lived at St. Paul's Plaza for four years, had a bad fall and has worked consistently to get her mobility back. She participates in most of St. Paul's Plaza's exercise classes and rides the exercise bike in the gym several days a week.

"It's important to stay fit and enjoy life," said Barrett, a former second-grade teacher. "All of the activities here are wonderful. They even have a creative coloring class to keep my mind active and keep me going."