Maintaining Vitality: Recurring Health & Fitness Events for Cass County Seniors
As years go by, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can become more challenging, especially for seniors. However, National Senior Health & Fitness Day is a reminder that age should not be a hindrance to physical activity and healthy living.
Celebrating its 30th year, National Senior Health & Fitness Day promotes the importance of health and wellness in older adults. On May 30, 2023, more than 100,000 seniors from across the country will come together to participate in health and wellness events at over 1,000 official locations nationwide. These events aim to instill a sense of community and motivation in seniors to prioritize their health.
Cass County seniors don’t have to wait for May 30 to be reminded of an active lifestyle’s benefits. There are several regular, health-centric events to attend each month. Read on to learn more!
Recurring Senior Health Activities in Cass County
One of the primary difficulties seniors face when it comes to maintaining good health is limited physical activity. This can be due to a range of factors, including chronic illnesses, joint pain and mobility issues. As we age, our bones and muscles tend to weaken, making it more difficult to engage in physical activity. Additionally, many seniors struggle with social isolation and lack of motivation, which can make it challenging to stay engaged and active.
To address these difficulties, Cass County organizations offer several recurring health and fitness events for seniors throughout the year. These events are designed to promote physical and social engagement, as well as mental wellness and cognitive function.
Here are the details of each event:
Parkinson’s Power Punches with Coach Walter Swann (Free)
Join this free boxing exercise class for those with M.S., Parkinson’s and Parkinson-related conditions. The class helps participants enhance their quality of life by building strength, flexibility and speed through a range of physical exercises. These exercises have proven to help those struggling with Parkinson’s at any level and can actually lessen their symptoms and lead a healthier and happier life.
Instructor: Coach Walter Swann, former professional boxer
Event Dates:
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 – 9–10 a.m.
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 – 9–10 a.m.
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 – 9–10 a.m.
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 – 9–10 a.m.
Thursday, June 22, 2023 – 9–10 a.m.
Register Here
Event Location:
Front Street Crossing
227 S. Front St., Dowagiac, MI
Brain & Body (Free)
Brain & Body is a six-week fitness program that helps seniors keep their mind and body connected to maximize their everyday living experience. It entails a 30-minute session that aims to keep seniors physiologically and cognitively sharp.
Event Dates:
Thursday, June 1, 2023 – 1 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 – 1 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 8, 2023 – 1 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 – 1 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 15, 2023 – 1 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 – 1 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 22, 2023 – 1 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 – 1 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 29, 2023 – 1 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Event Location:
Front Street Crossing
227 S. Front St., Dowagiac, MI
Fit 30 (Free)
Build strength, improve mobility and work up a sweat in just 30 minutes during this six-week class. A variety of beginner friendly routines and upbeat music ensure participants never get bored. This class is perfect for those who cannot commit to an extended exercise program.
Event Dates:
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 – 1–1:30 p.m.
Friday, June 2, 2023 – 1–1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 9, 2023 – 1–1:30 p.m.
Friday, June 9, 2023 – 1–1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 – 1–1:30 p.m.
Friday, June 16, 2023 – 1–1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 – 1–1:30 p.m.
Friday, June 23, 2023 – 1:130 p.m.?
Wednesday, June 28, 2023 – 1–1:30 p.m.
Event Location:
The Lowe Center
60525 Decatur Rd., Cassopolis, MI
Hearing Clinic (Free)
The Hearing Clinic is a great resource for seniors who may be experiencing hearing loss. This event provides free hearing tests and hearing aid adjustments to help seniors improve their hearing.
Call 269-445-8110 to schedule an appointment.
Event Dates:
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 – 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 – 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday, August 8, 2023 – 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 – 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 – 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 – 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Event Location:
The Lowe Center
60525 Decatur Rd., Cassopolis, MI
Yoga ($8 per session)
Yoga is an excellent activity for seniors who may struggle with pain, joint stress, imbalance or other physical limitations. This practice helps improve balance, strengthen muscles and open the body for meditation.
Event Dates:
Thursday, May 18, 2023 – 9 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Thursday, May 25, 2023 – 9 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Thursday, June 1, 2023 – 9 a.m.–10:15 a.m.?
Thursday, June 8, 2023 – 9 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Thursday, June 15, 2023 – 9 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Event Location:
The Lowe Center
60525 Decatur Rd., Cassopolis, MI
Saturday Yoga ($8 per session)
Additional Yoga classes with instructor Karen Sommers are offered on Mondays from 5:45–7 p.m.
Event Dates:
Saturday, May 13, 2023 – 9 a.m.
Saturday, May 20, 2023 – 9 a.m.
Saturday, May 27, 2023 – 9 a.m.
Saturday, June 3, 2023 – 9 a.m.
Saturday, June 10, 2023 – 9 a.m.
Saturday, June 17, 2023 – 9 a.m.
Event Location:
The Lowe Center
60525 Decatur Rd., Cassopolis, MI
Pickleball 101
Pickleball 101, is a beginner-friendly class taught by instructor Lisa Fitzsimons. It is specially tailored to seniors who have limited physical activity but aspire to engage in activities that build social connections and improve their health. Whether you are a beginner and have only played pickleball a few times, or perhaps you’ve never even picked up a paddle, this Pickleball 101 class will help you navigate the basics of the game.
No equipment is needed.
Please note: When playing pickleball, it’s best to use a pickleball shoe, tennis shoe or court shoe. Shoes should have a flat bottom with no tread.
Event Dates:
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 – 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 – 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Event Location:
Penn Township Hall
60717 S. Main St. Vandalia, MI