Senior health and Fitness Day

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) – A brisk half-mile walk is part of the daily regimen at Loomis Village in South Hadley. Residents of this retirement community told 22News this is an important part of their routine, and not just to recognize National Senior Health and Fitness Day.

“I do it daily either walking here or swimming,” Randy Hyvonen said. “We have a nice pool. I swim about five days a week; being active is critical in my life.” And 83-year-old Linda Gordon said that physical activity wasn’t just important for her, it’s “also important to my dog. I walk about two miles a day and I swim two times a week.”

Lucille Breen will be 97 on her next birthday and to her, remaining active is as much a mental exercise as it is physical. “It’s all about attitude, the magic is in the moment,” she explained. “You don’t know what the next moment will bring. It’s a magic moment that I’m talking with you.” But according to Loomis Village Executive Director Maureen O’Toole, it’s just another day of her seniors staying active and engaged. Combining the mental and the physical activity along with healthy eating, O’Toole noted that people are reaching their 100th birthday with greater frequency than ever before in our history.

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