A fitness instructor in Davenport, Iowa, is living proof that age is just a number. For the past 24 years, Jan Dorgan has been teaching exercise classes at the Center for Active Senior Incorporated (CASI). Now 87, she says these classes are keeping her active and connected.
Dorgan told KWQC, “If you start your day with exercise, you have so much more energy through the day, you feel like I’ve done something for me, it’s a good feeling.”
Besides the health benefits, the senior exercise classes promote fellowship as well. Many participants say they have made new friends and confidants. This camaraderie is particularly important in combating the loneliness that can happen after losing a spouse.
Senior loneliness is a growing concern in this country. According to a study by the University of Michigan, one in three older adults says they experience loneliness and isolation. This is much higher than other age groups.
As for Dorgan, she says she intends to continue teaching exercise classes at CASI as long as they let her. She calls it a blessing.
To learn more about senior exercise and wellness, look through some of our other articles on Council of Seniors 365.
And be sure to stop by CouncilofSeniors.com to learn how we’re working to improve the financial well-being of America’s retirees.
