Center for Elders’ Independence seniors show the value of exercise at any age ---
Seniors from the Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) energized and inspired the crowd at the City of Oakland’s Older Americans Month annual celebration at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza on May 11. The spirited performers enthusiastically demonstrated exercises designed to help seniors improve their strength, balance and flexibility.
As the country’s population ages, more people are becoming sedentary, with aches and pains, chronic diseases, and injuries from falls. The National Institute on Health advises seniors that, “being physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself.”
Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI), a health plan dedicated to helping frail seniors stay healthy and living at home, places a high priority on keeping their participants as active as possible.
“Exercise helps the body be more resilient and provides a big mental and spiritual boost for people whose lives have become smaller as they age,” said CEI’s Chief Medical Officer, Fiona Wilmot, MD, MPH. “At CEI, we have an extensive rehab program and our therapists work closely with the activities staff to integrate exercise into numerous activities. Our seniors do what they can and we celebrate their efforts,” adds Dr. Wilmot.
Before coming to CEI, participants Gregorio Duran, 86, and his wife Maria Roman-Duran, 76, both suffered from several medical problems including diabetes, severe arthritis, and a history of frequent falls and fractures. The couple had difficulty managing daily activities, could not live independently, and relied instead on busy family members for transportation, grocery shopping and other assistance.
Determined to improve their health and their spirits, the couple embraced a customized physical therapy regimen at CEI’s Eastmont PACE Center, and they consistently exercise at home. The Durans became committed to daily exercise to manage their diabetes and arthritis. They especially enjoy CEI’s group exercise programs, such as dancing, tai chi, chair exercises, neighborhood walks and Wii bowling, all designed to engage frail seniors in safe and beneficial movement, and to have fun in the process.
Today the Durans have a very different life. Their diabetes is under control, they take frequent walks together and neither has had a fall in over a year. With the support of CEI, they are stronger, more confident, and able to live independently in senior housing.
“Exercise is the best thing that has happened to my body. I’m so grateful to CEI,” says Mrs. Roman-Duran.
Physical therapist Susan Musicant, DPT, leads exercise classes at CEI designed to help frail seniors increase their strength, balance and resilience. Many older adults are reluctant or afraid to exercise because they have pain, but chronic pain is typically made worse by not moving.
“There are so many reasons seniors stop moving. But, as I tell them, that attitude is chasing you into a chair; it’s chasing you into staying home all the time.”
CEI is a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive health care and support services to frail seniors through the Program of All-inclusive Care for Elderly (PACE). PACE is considered by many to be the nation’s “gold standard for geriatric care,” and is a proven model for providing care to frail older adults. CEI operates three PACE centers in Oakland and one in Berkeley, and alternative care settings in Oakland and El Sobrante, serving frail seniors from El Sobrante and Richmond to Hayward.
For more information about Center for Elders’ Independence, please visit cei.elders.org or call (510) 433-1150.