Ageless - Summer 2022

It is well established the benefits of routine physical
exercise for most ages, but seniors in particular. Seniors
such as Wanda Crow, 80, can’t hide her enthusiasm
for her exercise outlet. It’s a rare event when Crow isn’t
found at her place near the front of the class.
“We meet three times a week,” said Crow. “It’s 50
minutes of workout, and then we cool down for ten
minutes. I love working out. This is a big part of my life.”
The paces Laster puts the class through are
designed for this age group. The session might
see the class march in place or pull up one of the
oversized rubber bands held down on the floor with
a foot, Laster does note that when she took over the
class several years ago, the exercises were done
while sitting down. Laster got them up on their feet.
“I had a yearly physical in May and on the same day
went to the cardiologist,” said Crow. “Both of those
doctors told me I was in terrific shape. When they told
me, well, my nose was up in the air as high as it could
be. I mean, who wouldn’t feel that way hearing that?”
The appeal of SilverSneakers isn’t just physical. Even
during the pandemic, Laster arranged for the class to
meet outdoors on occasion.
Nancy Ward, 80, who retired from Acxiom and
worked three years at the Clinton White House as a
press office manager, estimates she’s been involved
in SilverSneakers for five years.
“It’s been life-changing,” said Ward. “People my age
deteriorate, and it helps physically, and it’s a social
thing. You get to talk to different people and relate
to people socially. This class is kind of like a big
sorority. We care about each other, and if somebody
gets sick, we send cards and help each other. That is
a big part.”
SilverSneakers is a benefit for some Arkansas Blue
Cross and Blue Shield Medicare plans. Want to see
if you are eligible? Call the number on the back of
your ID card.
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