Kapuna (Elder) Flexibility and Fitness (aka Senior FlexFit)
Dr Max Vercruyssen, Program Head
The
Senior FlexFit Program (for ages 50-99+ years) is based on classes involving group
and individual exercises for flexibility, strength, balance,
safe falling, and aerobic conditioning. Classes are 90 minutes in length and involve exercise for improving flexibility
and joint range of motion, cardiovascular fitness, safe falling,
balance, and dynamic daily living. The classes are designed
to promote daily exercise and serve as a weekly demonstration
of continual progress toward functional independence, health,
and happiness.
The Surgeon Generals’ Report (1996) warns
that adults in the United States are inactive: 25% are totally
sedentary and nearly 60% fail to obtain sufficient amounts
of regular activity needed to reduce their risk of premature
morbidity and mortality. Further, inactivity increases with
age: by age 75, about one in three men and one in two women
engage in NO physical activity. As more individuals live longer,
it is imperative to determine the extent and mechanism by
which exercise and physical activity, especially during adulthood,
can improve health, functional capacity, quality of life,
and the ability to live independently for those over 70 years
of age. Hawai’i Academy has numerous adult programs
and activities available, including the Adult FlexFit and
Gymnastics (for both recreation and competition interest of
members age 16-59). The Seniors FlexFit Program focuses on
challenges and opportunities of seniors — those over
60, especially those in their 70s, 80s, and 90s. This program
is based on a weekly class that involves group and individual
exercises for flexibility, strength, balance, safe falling,
and aerobic conditioning. These exercises are designed to:
(1) help maintain the ability to live independently and reduce
the risk of falling and fracturing bones; (2) reduce the risk
of dying from coronary heart disease and of developing high
blod pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes; (3) help maintain
healthy bones, muscles, and joints; (4) reduce symptoms of
anxiety and depression and foster improvements in mood and
feelings of well being; (5) help improve stamina and muscle
strength; (6) help control joint swelling and pain associated
with arthritis; and (7) improve overall joint range of motion
(flexibility) and the ability to perform activities of daily
living. (Training priorities are based on strategic health
initiativies on aging in exercise science and sports medicine,
and the position standing on exercise and physical activities
for older adults, according to the American College of Sports
Medicine.)
It is not the weekly FlexFit classes that make dramatic changes
in each participant’s life . . . it is the lifestyle
change in one’s approach to daily living.