Wellness Wednesday – EngAge Wellness a fitness alternative for those 50 and up

A wellness program for individuals older than 50 or eligible for Medicare is available at the UNMC Home Instead Center for Successful Aging.

Pat Hageman, Ph.D., shows Virginia Grissom some of the fitness equipment in the Home Instead Center for Successful Aging.

Called EngAge Wellness, the program employs a whole-person wellness approach to optimal aging through the six dimensions of wellness — social, physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional and vocational.

Special offerings

The program is open to the public and tailored to the specific needs of seniors, said Jeannie Hannan, wellness manager for the program.

Some of the features of the EngAge Wellness program include:

• Individualized fitness and wellness programming;
  
• State-of-the-art exercise equipment that is safe and easy to use;
  
• Whole-person wellness education programs for lifelong learning;
  
• Wellness coaching and personal training; and
  
• Wellness research and educational opportunities.

Several wellness options

A variety of group movement classes will be offered including low-impact aerobics, yoga and tai chi. Educational offerings will include courses in:

• Journaling;
  
• Stress management;
  
• Healthy eating; and
  
• Navigating community resources.

The exercise equipment is powered by air pneumatics, which allow for constant resistance during the entire range of motion. Large digital displays will automatically count repetitions.