Southern Alabama Regional Council On Aging

Pilot Program Changes Lives
The Dothan Eagle
Linnea McClellan
June 2, 2008

OZARK — After five operations on his hips, Macon Blocker knows better than to take his health for granted.
“I do what I can,” the 91-year-old Ozark resident says. He’s doing better than some people half his age because Macon makes sure he exercises every day.
Not only can he take advantage of the fully-equipped gym at the Ozark Senior Center, but Blocker also joined a 12-week pilot program at the center designed to encourage the elderly to stay fit. The Ozark center was one of three sites chosen for the Senior Wellness Pilot Program offered by the Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging in partnership with Mid South Home Health.
Ozark site director Angie Kelly welcomed the opportunity, noting that many of her “couch potato” members don’t get any exercise at home. Even before joining the wellness program she held exercise classes at least twice a week.

Now it’s every day at 11 a.m. for 30 minutes, whether she’s there to lead them or not. Kelly said she was surprised to learn there are exercises to improve and maintain healthy bones.
She doesn’t plan to stop the classes when the pilot program ends.
“The point was to get started,” said Stormie Andrews, the SARCOA coordinator. When the program launched in March, members designed their own fitness plans. A program focusing on one activity — like walking — wouldn’t work, since everyone has different needs, explained Charlie Prater, the Mid South coordinator. He visits each center about every four weeks with a rehabilitation therapist to present educational programs and offer support.
“We’re hoping we’re developing a habit,” Prater said. “It should be a lifestyle change.”
Mary L. Stewart never thought about exercising before getting out of bed in the mornings until she started the program. Now she follows the example of her friend, 87-year-old Tommie Henderson, who does exercises in bed that she learned in rehabilitation after knee surgery.

Although she suffers from painful shingles, Stewart said she can tell a difference since starting the wellness program. “I can’t hold out to walk far, but other than that, I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.”
For motivation, participants receive stars for recording activities in a journal. The center with the best results wins a trophy to be awarded in a ceremony at the end of the month.
After seeing what happens when the elderly don’t stay active, Prater has been on a mission for the past few years to inform the public about the importance of staying active, especially with a growing elderly population. Staying fit makes it much easier to recover from falls, illness, hospital stays and other setbacks, Prater said. He advocates an eight-point fitness program for improving and maintaining joint flexibility, muscle strength, walking and increasing the general activity level and safety. When Andrews asked if Mid South would become a partner in the program, Prater didn’t hesitate to get involved.
Andrews will review the results from all three centers when the program ends this month to see what changes need to be made and, hopefully, recruit more partners.

Want to know more?
Speakers from Mid South Home Health can discuss general strength training and other topics related to aging. Call Sabrina M. Ray, (334) 798-0052 or (334) 793-6854.

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