The Senior+ program at Sampson Regional Medical Center is a fun way to get seniors involved in community activities, while serving as a resource for those aged 60 and older.

According to Kristy Bland, SRMC marketing coordinator, the initiative is a way for seniors to stay healthy, be informed and have fun.

“Senior Plus is a free program that supports and promotes a healthy way of living for our senior adult population,” Bland said. “Through this program, we offer membership benefits, such as free social events, health education seminars and exclusive discounts at local businesses.”

In an effort to expand the offerings of the Senior+ program, SRMC will be opening the Center for Health and Wellness to all seniors Wednesday, May 31. This service will be free to all seniors on this day.

“In celebration of National Senior Health and Fitness Day, we are inviting all seniors to join us at The Center for Health and Wellness and exercise for free on May 31,” added Bland.

Community Wellness Coordinator Robin Palmer is excited about next week’s event and looking forward to getting more seniors involved.

“Our program is growing stronger and offering informative and fun programs each month,” said Palmer.

Planned activities includes round table discussions with community health professionals along with fun activities to keep seniors active both mentally and physically.

“This spring we offered free bone density screenings, a question and answer session with the new resident physicians, an informative talk about anesthesia with our nurse anesthetist, and a healthy cooking seminar with the local North Carolina Extension Agent,” added Palmer.

For fun, Palmer shared, participants exercise their minds during monthly game days where they play BananaGrams, which is like scrabble but more conducive for a bigger group.

Wednesday, seniors who are ages 60 plus will have access to all member amenities for free during this special event. Senior+ members may show their membership card for free admittance into The Center for Health and Wellness and newcomers may join the free program onsite.

“We invite all seniors to come join the fun and bring a friend,” Bland explained.

Some of the activities planned at the wellness center include:

• 8-11 a.m. — fun and friendly fitness classes like starter strength, balance-n-core, and zumba;

• 9-11 a.m. — fitness specialists will be on hand for questions or guidance;

• 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — visit the Senior+ information table to learn more about the program and planned events for this summer.

“It is important for seniors to exercise their minds and their bodies and we are providing opportunities for that with our Senior+ program,” Palmer added. “Being socially active, mentally engaged and physically fit are all important aspects of maintaining good health. Hopefully the participating seniors will learn more information about things that pertain to their health issues.”

Senior+ members will have the opportunity to meet other seniors who are proactive about their health and well-being, and have a chance to share valuable information that may help someone they meet.

“We are providing resources to our 60 plus senior population by combining special hospital services with those offered by our community partners,” Bland added. “Sampson Regional and the surrounding community has a lot to offer to our seniors. Seniors often feel they must drive out of town for certain services, but that just isn’t the case.”

SRMC is also looking to grow their community partnerships by adding local businesses as community partners in the Senior+ program. Anyone interested in more information about the Senior+ program or becoming a partner, contact Palmer at 910-596-5406 or visit the hospital’s website at www.SampsonRMC.org/SeniorPlus.

Seniors Annie Davis and Inez Tyndall utilize the wellness center five days a week as a way to stay healthy and active. The wellness center will be open to all seniors, ages 60 plus, May 31 for free.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Diabetes.jpgSeniors Annie Davis and Inez Tyndall utilize the wellness center five days a week as a way to stay healthy and active. The wellness center will be open to all seniors, ages 60 plus, May 31 for free.

By Kristy D. Carter

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Reach Kristy D. Carter at 910-592-8137, ext. 2588. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd. Like us on Facebook.