June 5, 2024
Local older adults are flourishing and giving at the YMCA
With more Coloradoans over 65 than ever before, Denverites are exploring ways to age well. This May—also Older Americans Month—many are embracing a physically and socially active lifestyle and continue to contribute significantly to their community as well. Just ask Dawn Booth, a Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor for the YMCA of Metro Denver, and herself an older adult.
“We have a lot of seniors in the community who are looking for an outlet for fitness and connection, and we want to create a space for them…What I do here is personal training, work the fitness floor and teach Silver Sneakers fitness classes,” says Booth, who’s been with the Denver Y since 2022 and brings decades of experience working with older adults in Aurora. Booth also leads blood pressure self-monitoring, diabetes prevention, and Livestrong programs at the Y.
About 37% of the YMCA of Metro Denver’s membership falls into the ‘older adult’ range (l55 and over), so the Y tailors many offerings specifically for older adults.
“After leaving the workforce, it’s very important for mental stimulation and physical health to have places to go and people to talk to,” Booth explains. “Staying active with friends your age (outside your family) is essential for mental health. We try to be that place.”
According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, the oldest age groups in the U.S. are the happiest, with health and wellness as key factors and volunteerism as a key value.
“This reinforces the Y’s goal of being a third place for social interaction and community connection,” adds senior manager of Y older adult programming Marydean Purves.
The Y offers multiple exercise and wellness classes for different age groups over 55+, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. Collaborations with partners, like the City of Centennial on the Center of Generations, promote older adult health and fitness while fostering intergenerational connections. Several Y team members, including Booth, have also recently obtained certifications in personal training for older adults, ensuring safe and effective fitness guidance.
“Everything can be modified, and you can work your body even if you have an injury in one location,” Booth shared. “People tell me all the time how they feel better after taking classes.”
Purves is also exploring new initiatives in physical and mental health, including a study on cognitive health machines for older adults with Parkinson’s and integrating these into their exercise routines. EGYM machines, which guide users through a full-body, personalized workout, are already available at several Y locations and popular among older members.
In addition to health and wellness, the Y provides opportunities for volunteerism and social connection. Many older Denverites are investing in their Y and Denver communities in significant ways.
“We have older adults trained in the Y Academy, starting programs and running clubs,” Purves shares. “The book club and many other programs are led by member volunteers. The Center of Generations hosts a member-run Spanish club and volunteer-managed library.”
Booth herself volunteers to organize senior activities like coffee socials, card games, and a book group. The book club chooses a book each month as a group. Then they meet weekly to talk about the book and discuss various topics of interest. February’s “World Religions” discussion was led by a group member.
“We’re starting Mah Jong,” Booth shared. “It was a request from a participant, and another person has requested to lead a craft activity. People are volunteering to lead in various areas.”
As a result, many older Denverites are staying healthy and happy at the Y. In Booth’s own words, the Y’s goal is to make sure all “members feel like it is their third place – their home away from home. Whether they’re 2 or 82. We greet everyone and try hard to make them feel welcome.” And it’s working. “You don’t have to just exercise and go. You can come and do other things like stay, make coffee and have friends.”