On a beautiful autumn day, the Wellness
Center at Nicollet Towers
apartment building was buzzing with energy. Jokes were being told,
people were laughing, and friends were connecting…all while strengthening their
bones.
RSVP has
recently launched a Bone Builders exercise initiative that aims to connect
older adults with physical and social benefits. Bone Builders is an RSVP
Signature Program, developed based on research from Tufts University.
The class is held twice a week, and participants use a combination of
weight-bearing exercises, balance, and strength training. The idea behind the
program is to increase muscle and bone density, which reduces the risk of falls
associated with osteoporosis. Classes are taught by peer volunteers and are
designed to make participants feel comfortable and welcome.
Pat Reisenger, a retired teacher, is a talented, energetic
class leader at
Nicollet
Towers. She told jokes
and gave good advice to the particpants, encouraging them to work at their own
level. “The best thing about Bone Builders is that I can do it for myself and
others,” says Reisenger, who also teaches yoga. “It’s good for me too.”
The mental and social component of the class is just as
important as the physical aspects are. Relationships are often formed in the
classes as the participants encourage and support each other.
“It’s nice to be with other people,” said vibrant 99
year-old Inez, who kept up with the class quite nicely. “My doctor said that I
should exercise since I broke my hip.”
A similar class also takes place at
Hope
Lutheran Church
in
Minneapolis.
Class leader Bunny Anderson leads a full class with age ranges between 64-90.
Her enthusiasm and care for the participants is very apparent in her teaching
style. “I enjoy it just as much as they do,” said
Anderson.
And the class is free…a refreshing change from the big box
gyms and other health care programs. Bone Builders strives to remove financial
barriers and eliminates the intimidation factor of traditional gyms. All older
adults are welcome to attend, however, participants are required to complete a
health information form and get medical clearance from their physician. In
order to receive the greatest benefits from Bone Builders, participants are
also asked to commit to attending class twice weekly for at least six months. Volunteer
physical therapists and health educators will also track the success of
individuals, using a health assessment on the upper and lower body.
Nancy Sonmore, is a health educator who completed
assessments on the participants at
Nicollet
Towers and Hope Lutheran.
“I think Bone Builders is a great program. Any senior can do it,” said Sonmore.
“It is a source of stimulation for them and a way for them to connect with
others.” Sonmore will re-assess the class members in 3 months to track their
success.
Due to the popularity of the program, RSVP is always looking
for Bone Builders class leaders and volunteer physical therapists or health
educators to do assessments. Please call 952-945-4161 for more information.