Sheila Torres, vice chairman of the Commission on Aging, and Marilyn Place, director of senior services in Newtown, announced Wednesday, April 8, that thanks to a Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging (WCAAA) grant received in December, the Newtown Senior Center will be able to host three new programs for Newtown citizens, ages 60 and older.

Beginning the first Monday in May, senior citizens can participate in “Stretch and Meditation,” Mondays from 2:30 to 3:30 pm; “Sunrise Exercise” at 9 am on Tuesdays; and qi gong (for strength and balance), Tuesdays, 12:45 to 1:45 pm.

“These new programs are intended to attract people who may never have taken part in organized exercise classes,” said Ms Torres. The classes can serve as a means of introducing seniors to a healthier lifestyle and encourage socialization. “As a commission,” Ms Torres said, “we are trying to expand outreach to the senior community in Newtown.”

There are approximately 5,000 senior citizen residents in Newtown, Ms Place said, and there is a concern that many are becoming isolated.

“We’re trying to get more seniors involved at the center and in the community,” she said, and the grant will allow the center to expand upon the many opportunities now offered, in a way that reaches a section of the population that may not be comfortable with current programming. People who are shy, new to exercise, or who are intimidated by their more active peers will find the new programs a comfortable place to begin, she said.

The harsh winter, just now subsiding, added to the issue of isolation for many senior citizens, said the women.

“Over the winter, there was a push to get people to the center, at least to take part in the meal programs,” said Ms Place. By offering these gentle, introductory exercise classes, she hopes to appeal to that same group of people and reengage them in the Newtown Senior Center community. “[These classes are] a positive way to get seniors in the community involved, after this long winter,” she said.

Scheduling space and time for the three programs has been challenging, in order to continue to accommodate programs already in place. The effort, Ms Place said, will be worth it.

“It’s about taking care of seniors who are not currently active,” Ms Torres said.

The new classes, intended for both men and women, go beyond exercise, including stress management through breathing and movement, and balance activities for fall prevention. All classes are led by trained and certified instructors.

Qi gong (chi kung) consists of easy, gentle postures and flowing sequences that improve balance and contribute to building better bone density. The body mechanics of qi gong also improve flexibility, and through breath and movement, relax mind and body. Susan Bradshaw will teach qi gong.

Stretch and Meditation is a one-hour class of gentle muscle stretching and breathing, taught by Eileen Byrnes. Benefits include reduction in anxiety, increase in energy, and joint mobility. This practice is done seated, and each session ends with a meditation to calm mind and body.

Claudia Laudwehr will teach Sunrise Exercise, a slow-paced exercise class ideal for those who have not recently exercised regularly or for those recovering from an injury. Controlled breathing, relaxation, and meditation techniques will be introduced.

The WCAAA grant funds the new programs for 40 weeks, providing $40 per session.

“Grants act as seed money for programs,” explained Ms Torres, and while no one will be turned away, there is a suggested donation of $1 per class. That money, she said, then goes on to become seed money to continue the programs when the 40 weeks is over.

Membership at Newtown Senior Center ($15 per year for Newtown residents, $20 for nonresidents) is required to participate in the programs. Assistance is available to offset the cost of membership.

Newtown Senior Center, located at 14 Riverside Road in Sandy Hook, is a place for socialization opportunities, educational programs and health seminars, and on- and off-site recreation. For information on joining, for transportation information, or to register for any of the new classes, call the Newtown Senior Center at 203-270-4310.

“We’re excited to have received this grant,” Ms Torres said, and hopes that these three classes will draw more eligible citizens to Newtown Senior Center, “Where Silver is Golden.”