Rockland YMCA Gets Grant To Expand Activity Program For Seniors

NYACK, NY – The Rockland County YMCA has received a grant from the NYS Alliance of YMCAs to expand its EnhanceFitness Program. The program is an evidence-based physical activity program proven to increase the physical, mental and social functioning of older adults – particularly those with arthritis.

The Rockland County YMCA had successfully piloted the program at their Nyack branch in 2015 and will now offer this program in partnership with Meals on Wheels at the Nyack Senior Center and onsite at the Dominican Convent for the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 52 million Americans have arthritis, including about half of all adults over age 65. Almost 23 million Americans report that arthritis limits their physical activity. Research has shown that low-intensity physical activity performed on a regular basis can reduce pain, improve functioning, elevate mood and delay the onset of disability.

Participants in EnhanceFitness receive three, one-hour classes per week from certified Y staff that include proven aerobic, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises that are safe, effective and modifiable for a variety of fitness levels. Fitness assessments will be conducted every four months to track participants’ progress. In addition to physical benefits, the program provides a fun, social atmosphere that fosters relationships between program participants.

The Rockland County Y was one of several Y associations in the U.S. to receive a 2015 EnhanceFitness implementation grant, funded through a partnership between the Y’s national resource office, YMCA of the USA, and support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and one of several YMCA's to receive an additional grant from the NYS Alliance of YMCA's to expand the program in 2016-17.

The program is offered at the Nyack YMCA 3 times a week and is FREE for YMCA members and Silver Sneakers participant and $5 per class for non-members.

"The YMCA Y strives to be a leading voice for health and well-being in our community so that all people can achieve greater health,” said Maire Brosnan Katavolos, Senior Vice President of the Rockland County YMCA. “Providing healthy aging programs is a priority for the Y, especially as the number of older adults continues to increase. We are excited to be able to provide older adults the support they need to build physical strength and decrease arthritis symptoms in a fun atmosphere.”

For more information, please contact Brosnan Katavolos at 845-358-6608