Dick Libby (center) begins a workout. Classes and programs were specially designed to meet the needs of seniors, and they're getting results. View More Images from this story View and ORDER more photos.

Fitness program at Northern Neck retirement community delivers in numbers and results

Date published: 1/11/2007

IRVINGTON--One of the participants walks a tough treadmill mile each morning by 7, then another each afternoon by 4.

A second does yoga one day, water fitness another, managing to fit in low-impact aerobics on other days of a week filled with seven different classes.

Throw in the fellow who uses workout equipment and hefts 8-pound weights for strength and balance, and you get a sense of Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury's new wellness program.

The exercise and a growing interest in health and wellness aren't all that unusual.

What makes the program at this Northern Neck continuing-care retirement community special is the age of the participants, and its healing properties.

The Rev. George Barton, 88, is the fellow who walks two miles religiously, then puts in additional time on exercise machines.

So far, he's lost 20 pounds, dropped his diabetes medicines and cut down on other prescriptions.

Linda Small, at the younger end of the 65-plus age range at RW-C, says the seven classes she attends each week have improved her balance, strength, flexibility and mental outlook.

Sterling Wright, a 99-year-old retired Army general, is the one who hefts the 8-pound weights. He wastes no time attributing his ability to get around and enjoy life to the most challenging strength, balance and flexibility class RW-C offers.

A member of the U.S. equestrian team in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Wright says the program's structure keeps him going.

"Having a schedule and somebody expecting to see you at each session helps you get there," he said.

Perhaps the most inspiring story from the program came earlier this year, when 88-year-old Betsy Robbins began recovering from an initially debilitating stroke.

Through therapy and an exercise program, Robbins went from being locked in the fetal position in bed to the goal she shared with all--to walk with a cane.

She managed that, though subsequent strokes took her life by year's end. But those who marveled at her determination said the exercise program greatly improved her health and prolonged her life.

Faye B. Krejci, vice president of marketing and community development at RW-C, said the facility started the wellness program about two years ago.

' too often exercise programs babied seniors, to the point where they didn't accomplish nearly as much as they can.' Kori Poplin Wellness program director

Date published: 1/11/2007