ERS Wellness Director Chloe Hough says, “Being Fit is More than Exercising.”
Staying healthy is a priority for everyone right now — especially for seniors. No matter your age, exercise is essential for staying healthy and maintaining your quality of life. Whether you are new to exercise or trying to get back into a fitness routine, it helps to have some professional tips to guide you.
Episocopal Retirement Services Wellness Director Chloe Hough recommends taking some time to find the types of exercise you most enjoy. Trying different classes or equipment allows you to find what you like. Enjoyment is key in maintaining any fitness routine.
Deupree House and Marjorie P. Lee retirement communities offer various “land-based” group exercise classes, including chair aerobics, tai chi and yoga. There is also the option of a water aerobics class in the pool. The fitness team has personal trainers that work one-on-one with residents to help them meet their fitness goals and maintain their desired level of independence.
Residents can choose virtual classes to stay active and follow along in their homes. The Wellness and Life Enrichment Teams work together on many fun activities like Wii Bowling tournaments and celebrating Heart Health week in February.
During the pandemic, to help ERS residents stay active when the fitness centers closed, Hough began to record “Wellness Wednesday” instructional videos. ERS posted the videos on YouTube to offer anyone a way to learn new exercises and feel supported in their fitness journey. “The videos were just a fun way to get some new exercises out there and make sure people can stay active even during these very different times,” says Hough. “We just had to get a little bit more creative with it.” Wellness Wednesday videos are popular with residents and other seniors, so Hough continues to record and post dozens of videos. For many seniors, video workouts at home are still the safest way to exercise.
Relationships and social engagement play a vital role in both mental and physical health. Seniors nurture relationships with neighbors and staff while getting in some exercise. Hough connects with residents in classes, at training sessions, and when she brings her seven-month-old pup, Masie, to visit with residents. “The residents hear me talk about Maisie all the time, so I thought it would be fun to bring her to meet them, and the residents really enjoyed it. And Maisie loved getting to meet them too,” says Hough.
Personal training can be a big boost to a fitness routine, especially for seniors. One resident of Marjorie P. Lee says, “I believe I’ve made real progress in my physical well-being, and clearly, in my mental attitude with Hough’s excellent professional guidance and gentle kindness.”
Hough says, “I got to know one resident when he became interested in starting up personal training with me. What started as a trainer-client relationship blossomed into a friendship that I hold near and dear to my heart. He has a wealth of knowledge and many great stories that he shares with me. We talk about everything and anything. We take an interest in what is going on in each other’s lives. We share stories about our family and friends, our struggles and achievements, what is causing us stress, and what we are celebrating. He has made a lot of progress in our time working together.”
Hough continues, “I look forward to our time together. He and his wife are so wonderful, and I am so lucky to have developed this relationship with them. It makes it easy to look forward to coming to work when you have relationships like this.”
GET ACTIVE! Watch Chloe Hough’s wellness videos at the website: erslife.info/wellnessvideos
Listen to Hough’s podcast interview: blog.episcopalretirement.com/podcast-episode-30
The Marjorie P. Lee and Deupree House senior living communities are currently moving in new residents. To take a tour at Deupree House, call Gini Tarr at 513-561-4300 or email at gtarr@erslife.org. To take a tour at Marjorie P. Lee, call Karen Immell at 513-506-2841 or email kimmell@erslife.org