The Malka Hager Health Maintenance and Fitness Center for Senior Adults opened recently at Ezer Mizion’s international headquarters in Bnei Brak, providing a wide variety of health and fitness services for older adults.

This pioneering initiative comes in response to the lack of awareness of the importance of preventive health activities in general, and particularly among senior citizens.

Vast research points to the far-reaching health benefits of regular physical activity and its importance in lessening the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, gastrointestinal cancer, etc. Exercise also has an ameliorative effect on the mental and physical condition, reducing anxiety, depression, etc.

The center boasts a state-of-the-art facilities that include a large hydrotherapy swimming pool and an exercise room. A gym that will be furnished with aerobic and fitness equipment appropriate for seniors is also planned.

A professional staff of social workers and physical education teachers specializing in the elderly population helps guide each participant to the appropriate diet and exercise regimen for them.

Promoting Health Awareness

"Different exercises are geared to specific purposes, such as building bones mass, preventing heart disease, improving daily functioning, lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, maintaining balance, and preventing/ treating lower back pain - or to relax or achieve emotional equilibrium. A wide variety of activities is tailored to various fitness levels and ages," notes Benny Kelner, coordinator of physical activity at Ezer Mizion.

Kelner, who has a Master of Public Health degree from the Hebrew University, stresses that each person must find the type of physical activity he enjoys. He recommends varying the type of exercises - individual exercise, group classes, walking, swimming etc. "If you enjoy it, you will continue to do it over time," he says.

Community Outreach Programs

As part of The Malka Hager Fitness Center initiative to raise health awareness among senior citizens, Ezer Mizion has launched community outreach programs. These include: the Social Health Club, a program that combines education for correct nutrition with physical activity, while providing the social outlet that so many older people desperately need; public symposiums on health promotion and fitness; and, in a cutting edge initiative, exercise classes at adult-study programs for senior citizens.

25 seniors, ranging in age from 60 to over 90, take part in the weekly classes led by Benny Kelner. The exercises are designed to strengthen motor skills and muscle tone and enhance alertness. "The bottom line is to improve those abilities that will enable them to continue to function independently, increases their vitality and improves their quality of life," notes Kelner.

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