Author: Angela Mucci<\/p>\n
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Ageless Grace Educator Carol Gerson with class participants.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n
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\u201cIf I don\u2019t keep moving, my arthritis hurts so much I can barely<\/em> move at all!\u201d exclaimed Katie, a 75 year old woman at a local exercise class. Her insightful comment highlights the fact that physical activity often leads to more<\/em> movement, due to increased energy and flexibility. Conversely, lack of movement can make it seem harder to begin exercising, due to an increase of fatigue and discomfort.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Arthritis isn\u2019t the only chronic health condition which can be treated with exercise\/movement forms. The CDC reports that physical exercise can prevent, delay or even reverse diseases such as osteoporosis, heart disease, depression, and diabetes. Benefits of frequent physical exertion include: improved immune functioning, better gastrointestinal functioning, stronger bones, and protection against chronic conditions such as cancer.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n In other words: \u201cI am pretty sure movement is the closest thing we have to the fountain of youth,\u201d said Gail, a local 80 year old who enjoys swimming, walking and playing pickleball every week. THE WORD FROM LOCAL EXPERTS<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n According to Hendersonville resident Denise Medved, creator and CEO of a brain and body fitness program called Ageless Grace: \u201cToday the number one health concern on our planet is losing brain function as we age. Simple word games and puzzles do not delay cognitive decline. They only affect some of the brain functions and they just make you better at puzzles. Traditional repetitive exercise does not engage all the functions of the brain either.\u201d Research shows that the best way to improve brain functioning is to combine physical and cognitive challenges at the same time. That\u2019s why she created Ageless Grace, a seated, \u201cfunctional fitness and wellness program consisting of 21 simple tools (movements) for lifelong comfort and ease.\u201d<\/p>\n Source: Huff Post – Brain Gain: Neuroplasticity<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Local wellness and Ageless Grace educator\/trainer Carol V Gerson states: \u201cWe\u2019re living longer now so it\u2019s important to move the entire body, from head to toe, every day. Ageless Grace is a cutting-edge brain fitness program based on the science of neuroplasticity.\u201d In simple terms, neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain and central nervous system to change form and function. \u201cThis program activates all 5 functions of the brain – analytical, strategic, kinesthetic learning, memory\/recall, creativity and imagination – and simultaneously addresses all 21 physical skills needed for lifelong optimal function. Classes are also spontaneous and playful, with up-beat and nostalgic music, so people are highly motivated to come back. There are lots of laughs during class.\u201d This laughter and social interaction, says Carol is an important aspect of the class experience.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n SENIOR CITIZENS AND DEPRESSION<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Ageless Grace classes provide a remedy for an issue senior citizens face: The CDC reports that \u201colder adults are more prone to depression.\u201d This awareness has led to programs which encourage social interactions and inter-generational community events, such as programs which bring children to senior citizen facilities for the day. Ageless Grace classes or at-home practice can also be an intergenerational experience because kids love the playful aspect of the program. Also, people in class settings are encouraged to participate, to shout out ideas and to interact with each other. This community environment is crucial for the mental and physical health of aging populations, who are vulnerable to loneliness and depression.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n FIND MOVEMENT THAT YOU LOVE<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Most important when finding a movement practice is finding something you like or ideally love<\/em> to do. That way you are more likely to do it again! Find something that fits your personality.<\/p>\n Some physical activities which combine brain and body activation at the same time are:\u00a0 ballroom dancing, line dancing, NIA, and utilization of obstacle courses or team sports which require problem solving. While most exercise options increase blood flow to the brain, the above-mentioned provide even more<\/em> benefits due to the necessity of brain body coordination and \u201cthinking on your feet,\u201d or \u201cthinking while moving.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Love music? Try dancing, Ageless Grace or Zumba Gold. Love seeing practical results? Try some yard work like raking, trimming foliage or cleaning. Craving the great outdoors? Hiking, walking or jogging through the woods are year round scenic options for many locals. Looking for mindful, slow movement? More and more people are taking up Tai Chi in outdoor parks, churches or at the local YWCA. Feeling unsteady on your feet? Chair yoga is becoming more and more available. Spending some time at the park with kids? Be a rebel and get on that swing set or obstacle course with them. The children will be delighted, you will have fun and <\/em>you will surely make a lasting impression on the other adults!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Senior population is growing in the United States, particularly in WNC. According to Mountain Wise director Sarah Tennyson: \u201cThe US Census Bureau reports that approximately 15% of the US population is 65 or older.\u00a0However, rates are twice as high in the eight western-most counties of N.C. In our region 30% percent of the population is age 65 or older.\u201d Exercise and movement programs are critical not only because they improve the lives of individuals, but also because they reduce overall healthcare costs.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n AREA CLASSES\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Interested in finding a movement class that works for you? Check your local paper or contact your town parks and recreation department, YMCA, YWCA, senior center or gym to find class listings. \u00a0Always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise programs.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n AGELESS GRACE CLASSES WITH DENISE AND CAROL<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Brevard:<\/u>\u00a0w\/Carol \u00a0<\/p>\n Asheville:<\/u>\u00a0w\/Carol<\/p>\n Wednesdays: 9:30 AM @ Givens Gerber Living Center (residents only)<\/p>\n 11:15 AM @ Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community (residents only)<\/p>\n Thursdays:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a010:00 AM @ Mission Health’s Wellness Center<\/p>\n 11:15 AM-12:05 PM @ Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community (residents only).<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Mills River<\/u>: w\/Carol \u00a0<\/p>\n Hendersonville<\/u>: w\/Denise Tuesdays:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2:30 PM \u2013 3:15 PM @ Henderson County Athletics & Activity Center (Silver Sneakers FLEX\/Silver&Fit Ageless Grace class, Public class, covered by most Medicare Supplemental Insurance Policies)<\/p>\n Thursdays: \u00a0\u00a0 10:30 AM \u2013 11:00 AM @ Carolina Village Care Center (for residents & their guests)<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Contact \u00a0Denise Medved at:\u00a0denise@agelessgrace.com<\/a><\/p>\n Contact Carol Gerson at: 828-606-9931 or agelessgracecarol@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
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<\/u>Wednesdays:\u00a0 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM @ Silvermont Opportunity Center.<\/p>\n
Thursdays:\u00a0 \u00a0 3:30 PM-4:20 PM @ Mills River Seventh Day Adventist Church.<\/p>\n
Mondays: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11:30 AM @ Carolina Village (residents and their guests)<\/p>\n