Celebrate Senior Health & Fitness Day with free access to TPAC

Join the Northbrook Park District in celebrating National Senior Health & Fitness Day with a variety of free fitness programming and a presentation tailored for seniors.

The celebration will be hosted at Techny Prairie Activity Center (TPAC), which will open its doors to anyone ages 55 and up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 29.

“It’s very important for all of us at TPAC, and the park district, to provide opportunities for seniors to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” TPAC Manager Shawn Bernaky said. “We thoroughly enjoy offering this special day, which we hope will encourage all active adults to come through our doors, ask questions, meet our staff and sample some of the many classes available at TPAC. Throughout the year, we welcome members of all ages to embark on their fitness journey with us.”

Seniors will have full access to TPAC’s modern fitness center, which includes an indoor walking track with beautiful views of the surrounding parkland. No experience is necessary to sample the day’s free group fitness classes and open gym programs.

A speaker from the Alzheimer's Association will give a presentation on the latest tips for diet and nutrition, cognitive activity, social engagement and hands-on tools for healthy aging.

The schedule of events on May 29 is as follows:

• Open pickleball from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
• Tai Chi from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• “Healthy Living for your Brain and Body: Tips from the latest research” at 10 a.m.
• Zumba Gold from 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
• Chair Yoga from 12:35 p.m. to 2:05 p.m.
• Open pickleball from 12:35 p.m. to 2:05 p.m.

There will also be a variety of games, giveaways, and healthy snacks and beverages.

Physical activity has immediate benefits such as better sleep and less anxiety, and long-term benefits such as reduced risk of depression, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention.

For older adults, there are three key benefits of physical activity: reduced risk of falling, improved brain health and more years of independent living.

Research also shows that strength training can help improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis, which affects one in five women ages 50 and up, and one in 20 men ages 50 and up, according to the CDC.

Techny Prairie Activity Center is located at 180 Anets Drive in Northbrook. All programming listed above for National Senior Health & Fitness Day is free and for seniors only. Registration is required for individual activities and classes at nbfitness.org. For more information, call (847) 897-6180.

Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.