National Senior Health and Fitness Day

As we celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day, let’s dive into the numerous health benefits and fun experiences the pool offers. Water activities have been a resident favorite at Meridian Village. The community offers a variety of water activities, including water volleyball, water aerobics, aqua arthritis classes, water walking, and lap swimming. Residents have plenty of options to stay active and enjoy the pool.

“Water volleyball is definitely a favorite, we have sent several teams to the Senior Olympics,” said Amy Armstrong, Recreation Center Associate.

Jim Hazzard, Meridian Village resident, has found great pleasure in using the pool, especially from playing water volleyball. “The pool keeps me on schedule, and a good portion of my life revolves around it,” said Jim. “Water volleyball has taken on almost as much importance to me as golf used to be. I am now probably one of the healthiest 84-year-olds around!"

Linda Hoffman, Meridian Village resident, is in the pool five to six days a week. “One of the reasons that my husband and I moved to Meridian Village was because of the indoor heated saltwater pool; it’s been a huge blessing!” said Linda. “You can exercise in the pool, and it doesn’t even feel like exercise.”

Amy, who has a background in education and a lifelong passion for exercise, enjoys encouraging residents to grow in their knowledge of health and wellness. Water activities have numerous benefits, from improving muscle mass to enhancing cognitive function.

“Since the water lightens our weight, we can move more easily,” said Amy. “Residents who may not be able to walk or exercise on land are able to do exercises in the water that engage muscles in different ways, increasing their ability to gain strength.”

In addition to the physical benefits, the pool allows for socialization and fun. “I’m not big on individual exercises, so I really like the social aspects the pool offers,” said Linda.

Team members have also joined in on the pool fun by participating in staff vs. resident water volleyball games. “We keep beating them. It’s so much fun!” said Linda. “If the staff starts practicing together, they’re going to beat us. It’s motivated us to work harder."

Amy has had many successes with residents who participated in water activities. “One resident was interested in the pool to get his strength back after an injury,” said Amy. Amy started by walking laps with him near the pool wall, to help him feel secure. “He has gained so much strength that he walks a mile or more a week in the pool unassisted, and even uses resistance weights!”