The Y is for Everyone, Including SENIORS!

Seniors make up a large part of membership at the Portage Township YMCA! Most of our senior members not only come here to exercise their body, they come to exercise their mind and spirit as well. “My day starts with meeting up with friends at the YMCA around 7:30am for a cup of coffee and a little catch up about the grandkids, recipes and upcoming weekend plans. Then our Tuesday/Thursday ritual begins,” said Alice Kurth, long-time member. 8:00am is start time for Blast to the Past which is a senior low intensity aerobics class with music from the 50’s and 60’s, perfect for seniors. After class the group gathers in the deli for coffee and the birthday ritual. When celebrating a birthday, the birthday person brings in dessert to share. Then off to gentle yoga at 9:15am. This is a half hour class for Active Older Youth (seniors). The class consists of some standing and sitting poses with many different types of stretches. After class, the group likes to take advantage of the free screenings provided by partner St. Mary Medical Center. Screenings consist of blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI and cholesterol.

New friendships are made every day at the YMCA, from widows sharing stories with other widows to retired men reminiscing about the jobs they used to have in the mill.

The seniors are always looking to have parties at the Y during the Holiday’s. Every Halloween, the groups dresses in costume and has a potluck brunch as well as a Thanksgiving feast the Wed. before Thanksgiving. Many of these long lasting friendships continue with fun outside of the YMCA environment. From going out to lunch to catching a moving on the weekend these seniors are sometimes called our ACTIVE Older Youth (seniors). Stop in and share the Y experience of exercising the mind, body and spirit.

As a leading nonprofit, the Portage Township YMCA strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y is available to all, regardless of age, income or background. For more details regarding senior programing contact Janet at the YMCA at 219-762-9622 or at janet@ymcaofportage.org.