Frisbee Routine
Seniority on Life - Vivacious & Alive Article for the Clinton Herald

Use it or lose it – This has been a common phrase to promote health and fitness for many years. Whether you are 40, 60 or 80, exercise can improve your health. According to the National Institute on Aging, physical activity is good for your heart, mood and confidence and has even helped those in their 80s and 90s in nursing homes to grow stronger and more independent. Older people who become more active – including those with medical problems – may feel better and have more energy than ever before.

Many older people may feel they are too old or too frail to exercise. Not so, with a group of ten ladies at The Alverno Health Care Facility. They will be showing off their talents in a musical “Frisbee” routine at the facility’s Annual Hog Roast in August.

Each year, residents at The Alverno have the unique opportunity to participate in an exercise “routine” that they perform for staff members, family and friends at the facility’s annual Hog Roast. A variety of activities have been demonstrated over the past several years, such as bell choirs, ribbon twirling, and this year a Frisbee routine.

The routines are intended to improve balance, strength, coordination and awareness and to awaken muscle memory while having a really good time. Although the routines are led by members of the activities department, they are designed to meet the needs of the residents. According to Jo Brown, resident at The Alverno, “These routines offer fun practice sessions, a time to socialize, and they allow you to exercise to music and wear fun costumes – which makes us feel younger.” This year’s Frisbee routine will be preformed to the song Kansas City and residents will be showing off their 50’s costumes. Residents will perform the choreographed Frisbee routine while sitting in chairs. It is a great way for them to work on their upper body strength and memory skills – and of course to have fun.