Page 12 - Island Times September 2019

12 Oak HarbOr SeniOr Center September 2018

Is Staying Active and Independent for Life your goal?
Chuck and Suzanne Hathaway
play a friendly match of pool
GET “S.A.I.L.ing “

Staying Active and Independent for Life strength, flexibility, and education.
(SAIL) is an evidence-based exercise We have found many of the participants
program for adults 65+. SAIL improves feel better about themselves, have more
strength, balance, and fitness that can be confidence in themselves and have been
done standing or sitting. able to participate in more activities then
Why is SAIL key for our community? when they first began the program.
Island County’s population age 60+, is As an example, one of our participants
82,790. It is 55-percent above the state could not tie her shoes and after a few
average. Falls among older adults are weeks of attending SAIL, she now ties
common; one in four (65+) fall each year her shoes and is able to touch her toes
costing $50 billion annually – $9 billion comfortably. Another participant had
Medicaid, $12 billion private/out of issues with falling and can now balance
pocket, $29 billion Medicare. himself, and has not had any additional
In Washington State, one in three older falls. Several of the participants have
CENTER continued from page 1 Chuck piped in saying, “Us as a couple adults fall every year. In 2016, there were noticed they feel stronger and several
have a place to travel together, play pool, 19,060 fall-related hospitalizations and who came in with walkers/canes, have
band, Chuck saw the Center was looking go to dances, and that is so important.” 887 fall-related deaths. been able to do the exercises without
for trip escort volunteers and thought As you can see, the Oak Harbor Senior The leading risk factors for falls are their devices.
with his love for adventure it would be Center isn’t just a building to them, it is decreased leg strength and balance; We find SAIL is a great continuation after
a perfect fit. Chuck and Suzanne have where they find community and make unsafe home environment; taking more leaving physical therapy. It helps partici-
become quite the traveling escort team memories. than four medications; fear of falling; pants stay motivated and moving and
and have taken groups from the Center vision problems; decreased sensation in not become stagnant and stiff. This is a
to Chelan, Mt. Baker, Vancouver B.C., As the Program Coordinator I get to see feet, malnutrition, alcohol and substance great class for those just starting an exer-
Seattle, and many other exciting places. these stories be made every day at the misuse, cognitive impairment, advanced cise program.
Suzanne started helping out at the Center and it is really what makes my job age, previous falls, especially with injury
Center at the Travel Desk taking phone so special. I love to see the friendships and chronic conditions. We encourage anyone to come visit our
calls and signing members up for trips. made, the new skills learned, and the class and see if this would be beneficial
An opportunity arose when they needed purpose this place gives older adults. I So, now that we know the stats, we can to you. The class is $20 a month for mem-
more help at the Front Desk so Suzanne think it is so important we recognize the see how important a good exercise pro- bers of the Oak Harbor Senior Center
stepped up and started volunteering Senior Center because it really is such a gram is to keeping us independent! ($40 for a year membership). Members
every week as one of our afternoon special place. We really appreciate each The Oak Harbor Senior Center SAIL who have Silver and Fit can have the $20
volunteers. Suzanne told me, “The Oak one of our members and are so fortu- class meets twice a week, Tuesdays and a month class fee waived!
Harbor Senior Center is such a great nate to have the opportunity to be a part Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. for one hour. In September is Falls Prevention Month,
place to meet people and the camarade- of this center with you. Thank you for the hour workout, you will get: warm and SAIL is a great program to help pre-
rie is what makes this place so special.” making this place possible. up, gentle aerobics, balance/cool down, vent falls!

Seniors* Get 15% Off on

the 15th of Each Month!

Freeland 1609 E. Main Street

Freeland

360-331-6799

Monday–Saturday 8am-7pm
Hardware Sunday 9am-6pm

freelandacehardware.com

*Age 65 and over, just show your driver’s license at the cash register.
(Not vaild on Stihl or Honda Equipment, Stoves, Weber, Big Green Egg or sale items. Not vaild on prior sales)

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Oak Harbor Senior Center, 360-279-4580