10,000 Miles in 4 Weeks!

No matter what age, to stay physically fit and mentally sharp, we participate in activities to challenge, entertain and engage us. 

Part of the trick at least, can be putting oneself in an environment for success.  That was key for at least 156 local retirees who recently participated in a four week nationwide challenge to accumulate 1,310 miles of cardiovascular exercise. 

156 retirees living at Henry Ford Village Senior Living in Dearborn recorded their running, jogging, walking, swimming and biking mileage and cumulatively achieved 10,503 miles of cardiovascular activity, and as a result came in first place among the 57 senior living communities managed by Life Care Services throughout the United States that participated in the challenge.

 “1310 fit right in with our lifestyle here at Henry Ford Village” said Sylvia Moore, “We live life to the fullest and aren’t afraid to challenge ourselves to achieve better, healthier lives.”  Steve Baynai, another supported, “the amount of folks who participated was great, and that last week we really pushed one another to win this!”  It helped to be living somewhere that promotes fitness, where friends can encourage each other, and where facilities make it easy to work out!  Baynai stated “Initially it was cold outside and we logged most our mileage indoors, which fortunately we can do with the indoor swimming pool, hallways for walking and our fitness center’s bikes and treadmills.”  The community and the management company also provided a special Intranet site was created containing helpful Project 1310 information, including motivational videos recorded by Proffitt, a performance-tracking database and a display of system-wide results.

Matthew Wallace, the full-time Wellness Coordinator at Henry Ford Village state, who coordinated the program for folks, indicated “folks who live at Henry Ford Village always jump-in enthusiastically to every fitness challenge and program we put forward.”  Wallace indicates that other courses he offers that are popular with residents include  water aerobics, yoga, Tai Chi, circuit training, Drums Alive and a resident favorite, “Belts, Bands, Butts and Guts.”  In addition, the residents are getting ready for the annual mini-triathlon next month!

Henry Ford Village is a continuing care retirement community of approximately1,000 seniors, built on the historic birth-site of Henry Ford, providing an active independent living lifestyle, as well as assisted living, and skilled and rehabilitation care. For more information, call 1-800-783-0984, or visit their website at www.henryfordvillage.com.