19 Dec Westerwood Fitness Coordinator Helps Residents Take Their First (Second, Third…) Steps to Senior Wellness

After the ball drops and we turn the page on another year, many of us set goals for ourselves that may be hard to attain—and even harder to sustain. At Westerwood, though, senior wellness isn’t just a once-a-year resolution; it’s a way of life. To help residents stay on track, Fitness Coordinator Omar Kiser emphasizes an approach some residents learned eight, nine or maybe even 10 decades ago: baby steps.

Finding Inner and Outer Strength

When asked about the biggest challenge in working with seniors, Omar says it isn’t that they can’t do it; it’s getting them over the mentality that they can’t do it. Once that happens, they build their confidence—and their strength. Patience is key.

Although many classes are in a group setting, Omar pays attention to each student’s needs and tries to help them overcome any challenges or insecurities. One story in particular stands out. “About a year and a half ago, a resident told me she didn’t want to do much. She didn’t want to go anywhere. She had no energy,” Omar recalls. “I encouraged her to do a little more every day, so she started going out, playing games with her neighbors and even working out a bit. She said this made her feel better, not just physically but mentally.”

“One day, she was doing wall pushups while I was at my desk. All of a sudden, I heard her say, ‘100! Yes, I did it!’ I couldn’t believe what I just heard. She did 100 wall pushups, and she’s almost 80 years old.”

He remembers another resident who came to him one day and revealed how she went to the grocery store and the item she wanted was way up high on a shelf. Normally, she would never be able to reach it, but this time, she did, and she attributed it all to the stretching exercises she did in class. “I always say, keep trying and if it doesn’t work, do it all over again because that’s how we learn in life,” Omar says. “It may be challenging, it may take time, but nothing is impossible.”

Boosting Physical, Emotional and Social Wellness in Seniors

Being part of a community of active seniors motivates folks to get out and walk, attend fitness classes, join a group (or start a new one) and just stay active. And for many, the benefits are exponential. They may include more flexibility, better balance, increased energy and that sometimes-evasive good night’s sleep.

Pilates. Balance classes. Chair aerobics. Strength training. A walking club. And that’s just the beginning. In addition to dozens (and growing) of senior exercise classes to choose from, Westerwood residents have access to a fully equipped gym, nearly a mile of walking trails and an outdoor courtyard with a bocce ball court and putting green. With all this and more, there’s no shortage of ways for senior residents to stay active and improve their overall physical, emotional and social wellness.

Trying Something New Every Day

No two fitness classes are alike—and that’s just how residents like it. Omar is always thinking of new things to work on, and he happily welcomes suggestions from his students.

Omar’s also not afraid to try out-of-the-box ideas. One day his students showed up for class and were puzzled because all the chairs had been removed. Imagine their delight when Omar announced that he was taking the class outside. Besides having a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather, he had an ulterior motive—getting his students comfortable walking on grass. Things that seem second nature to many can be hard for seniors, and Omar wants to help folks feel comfortable walking on different surfaces.

“I make my classes fun. We don’t just work out, we engage as we go,” Omar says. “We laugh. We talk. I ask them questions. I do different things all the time, so they don’t get bored. They can’t help but smile when they come to my classes—and neither can I.” 

Providing Extra Motivation

On Fridays, Omar gives residents a little extra motivation. He brings one of his three dogs to help lead his classes, and the residents love it. And if he misses a week, they let him know they’re not too happy about it.

His co-coordinators are twin Great Danes, Benjamin and Sebastian, and his 14-year-old Chihuahua, Twinkie, who prove every day that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Getting Stronger Together

At Westerwood, our fitness team works side-by-side with our on-site rehab center and physical therapy teams to provide a full continuum of care that gives residents all the independence they want and the highest levels of care when they need it—without leaving the community.

Many residents who have health conditions, whether it be Parkinson’s disease, sciatica or arthritis, receive on-site therapy to manage their symptoms. Our fitness team augments that therapy by providing appropriate stretches and exercises to help control pain, improve flexibility, retrain muscles and prevent falls. “I work directly with the physical therapy department,” Omar explains. “After residents complete their physical therapy, they still need to keep up with the same workout, so they don’t lose all the strength they’ve built. That’s where I come in. I sit down with the therapists and the resident as we talk about our plan. We have really good communication.”

Omar also works with the community’s certified nutritionist so he can provide answers to residents who ask about eating healthier. His advice? “Never ‘go on a diet.’ Just take it slowly, minimize the things you don’t need and eat smaller portions. If you get hungry at night, have a piece of fruit or some tea—just something to hold you over until the next day. Oh, and drink plenty of water.”

Feeding Off Each Other’s Energy

Our residents can’t say enough about how much they love all the classes, activities and—most importantly—the people at Westerwood. And the staff feels the same way. “Knowing I’m coming to work at Westerwood and my residents are always so thankful—it’s what gets me up every day,” Omar says. “I love my residents so much. Seeing their results makes me want to work harder. It’s like I’m helping them, but they’re also helping me see what’s possible for the future.”

Experience what makes Westerwood one of the most energized senior living communities in Columbus, OH. Call to schedule your visit today at 614-568-0503.