Senior Exercise Program
Kent County Health Department
Health Improvement Program
700 Fuller Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 632-7285
Toll Free: (888) 515-1300
Fax: (616) 632-6898
Senior Exercise and Nutrition Program
Senior Exercise and Nutrition is a free program offered to Kent County seniors who are interested in maintaining their health and independence. The class is designed to provide participants with nutrition and activity tools they can use in their everyday lives. The two hour sessions are held once a week for six weeks.
Approximately 50% of the class time is spent discussing nutrition topics, which include:
- Tips on losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight
- Vitamins and supplements
- Reading food labels to make healthy choices
- Preventing osteoporosis and bone breaks
- Giving up salt, but not flavor
- Healthy cooking and eating out tips
The other half of the class is spent learning about physical activity and exercise that can be easily done on their own. The following topics are discussed:
- Easy ways to get more exercise
- Exercise for a healthy heart
- How to improve strength
- Balance training and fall prevention
- Stretching and flexibility
Four of the six sessions include 15 to 20 minute segments of exercise. The exercise segments include the following:
- Balance
- Strength
- Aerobics
- Flexibility
Registration is required. Support persons or spouses are welcome to register also. To register or to get more information, please call Anne Kikstra at (616) 632-7285 or email her at Anne.Kikstra@kentcountymi.gov
