Healthy Eatonville Promotes Senior Fitness

Thanks to combined funding from Winter Park Health Foundation’s (WPHF) Community Health Work Group and the Older Adults Work Group, Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc., is now incorporating a Senior Fitness Program with Project Oasis in Eatonville.  Last year, the Healthy Eatonville Senior Fitness Program was awarded a grant by WPHF to provide seniors in Eatonville with a program designed to improve their overall fitness and potentially reduce health complications through participation in age appropriate fitness activities. During the pilot program offered through Healthy Eatonville Place, staff from Florida Hospital evaluated engagement, adherence, pre- and post-fitness levels, blood pressure, weight and resting heart rate.  The exercises focused on functional capacity, falls prevention and better balance, improved cardiovascular fitness, greater flexibility and overall strength including core exercises.  At the end of the 12-week program, approximately 65% of those who began the program were still engaged.  The most significant improvements were noted in exercise capacity.