In the November/December issue, we spoke with Julie Fenneseey, the Stolle Center director at Countryside YMCA, about active aging adult programs.
How does your organization serve active aging adults?
JF: Because we believe we have a responsibility to make a positive and measurable impact on the community’s health, we try to provide a holistic — social, emotional, cognitive, physical and evidence — based approach with our programming for members aged 50-plus. The mission of the Countryside YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
What specific programs do you offer?
JF: The Y provides group fitness classes for all levels from Senior Sit & Tone and Aquasize — water aerobics — to Zumba. But we are more than a gym and swim. We also organize weekly card games, free workshops on various health-related topics and have even partnered with The Ohio State University on our WITS program which exercises your brain. Not to mention our yearly free skincare screenings, our fall flu shot clinic and, new this year, free hearing screenings every two months.
Our active aging adults love to venture out on our day trips where we’re able to provide discounted group pricing and transportation. We’ve gone to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Dayton’s Carillon Historical Park and everywhere in between. But more importantly, we provide a space for our 50-year-old-plus members to build community and relationships. Talking by the pool, playing games, traveling on a day trip, drinking coffee with friends or sitting around the TV watching the Reds game is where connections are made.
What marketing strategies does your organization use to reach active aging adults?
JF: Word of mouth. Our active aging adults will try something new when recommended or invited by a friend. Once inside our facility they get to experience our Stolle Center, which is a dedicated space in our facility for the 50-plus that includes a lounge, activity room, kitchen, pool, locker rooms and work out room at no additional cost. We love providing a printed monthly calendar members can take home and hang on their fridge.
What’s the biggest challenge you run into when it comes to offering senior-specific programming?
JF: No matter what phase of life you are in, I think we can all agree no one likes change. I have found it’s important to give grace upon grace when walking through changes with our active aging adults. They have valid concerns and appreciate having someone to walk through the changes with.
