Intergenerational exercise, nutrition program has taken root

March 22, 2005

Spectrum/Elise O'Bryan

Thank you to Casey Ressler, Valley Life editor, for the article in the March 11, 2005 edition of the Frontiersman regarding the intergenerational fitness and nutrition program known as Visions, which is a cooperative effort between the senior citizens of Mid-Valley Senior Center and the students at Mid-Valley High School.

The article captured the spirit of the seniors and students. However, there is a need to correct a couple of "oopsies" and give a bit more of the background and credit to the many who have played a role.

First, the certified personal trainer is Karla Atwood, rather than Williams. I admit to having a personal friendship with Karla, as I have had the benefit of having experienced major change in my own life as a result of having worked with her personally over the past three years.

Shortly after we started working together, Karla volunteered her time to come to Mid-Valley Senior Center to participate in our annual mini-health fair. At that time, she planted seeds of the need to have organized effort and constancy in exercise and nutrition. As a volunteer, she conducted at least one group session in which she showed the seniors how they could exercise using common things at home, such as food cans. The following year, she came back and again had one-on-one consultations with seniors who were interested in change.

In October 2004, she again volunteered and it was at that time that the seed took root and started to grow. The right people were at the right place at the right time. A sign-up sheet was started and before the end of the day, more than 20 seniors had indicated an interest in sessions in exercise and nutrition. Sen. Charlie Huggins was there and suggested the idea of working with the students at Mid-Valley High School.

The Visions concept is based on the fact that change is possible at any age and life is a journey that starts with one step. Both generations bring differing strengths to the program and those strengths synapse across the generations. The plant started to grow. The board of directors of Mid-Valley Senior Center blessed the idea, so we started looking at funding options.

Becky Huggins of Mid-Valley High School started looking into their options. Ultimately, Mid-Valley Senior Center decided to seek sponsorships from the community for the pilot program. The response was nothing short of phenomenal. Private businesses, corporations, individuals, health-care providers and local government entities have all participated. (I won't list because the list is growing).

Simultaneously, Mrs. Huggins was successful in obtaining funds through the Mat-Su School District, not only to pay for the services of the personal trainer, but to purchase meals at the senior center for the students after the sessions. That addition to the concept has proven to be a success for all parties, as it gives a bonding opportunity for the program participants and the other senior citizens can't help but catch the spark of enthusiasm that is flowing.

The interest level made it obvious that instead of conducting the sessions at the senior center building. It would be preferable to relocate to the common room at Cranberry Ridge Senior Housing. The board of directors of Houston Senior Housing was very supportive and authorized the use.

Some of the tenants were understandably nervous about having the groups use their facility. Since the first couple of sessions, those tenants have indicated they are happy with the way Karla is managing the group and they feel welcome to observe and/or participate.

My own vision of this project is that the pilot program will prove to be such a success that it can be a model for others. Based on initial reactions, I believe it will be possible to obtain formal funding to continue the pilot group and start other groups. Long term, I envision the inclusion of an exercise room in an expanded Mid-Valley Senior Center building and the need to have a staff trainer and daily, day-long use. It can happen - look what has already happened because the idea was planted, watered, took root and is now growing.

Elise M. O'Bryan, Project Director Mid-Valley Seniors Inc.