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NYC Aging Hosts Third Annual National Older Adult Health and Fitness Day
Nearly twelve hundred older New Yorkers danced through the decades
The day reminded residents about the opportunities across the city to stay physically fit
New York, NY – Nearly 1,200 older New Yorkers gathered at Foley Square on May 27 to celebrate National Older Adult Health and Fitness Day, marking the event’s highest attendance ever. Organized by the New York City Department for the Aging (NYC Aging), this year’s theme was “Move a Little… Live a Lot! Dance Through the Decades.” Fitness experts and dancers showed participants how to move and encouraged them to continue living active and healthy lives.
This is the third year NYC Aging has hosted an event in recognition of National Older Adult Health and Fitness Day. This year participants had the opportunity to dance to popular music over the last few decades with Leslie Howwit, a dance and fitness expert; the organization Young at Heart, who created dance movements designed for health and wellness; and The Pacemakers, an older adult dance team whose mission is to upend ageist stereotypes and celebrate getting older.
“Today, we celebrate National Older Adult Health and Fitness Day with so many New Yorkers, many of whom will put their best foot forward to highlight that movement is a key factor in staying fit and healthy—both physically and mentally,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “I am happy to be moving with New York City's older adults on this day of recognition, and I hope this special occasion brings awareness to the many opportunities available to older New Yorkers that can help them not only stay in shape but also remain active within their communities."
“Once again National Older Adult Health and Fitness Day brought together New Yorkers from all different backgrounds and nationalities for one goal – staying active,” said NYC Aging Commissioner Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie. “Older residents can dance and participate in so many different types of exercise classes at their local older adult center, and we showed that no matter how old we become, our health should always be prioritized.”
The goal of National Older Adult Health and Fitness Day is to help keep older Americans healthy and fit. It occurs every May 27, where organizations throughout the country host events, bringing communities together encouraging older adults to exercise.
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About NYC Aging: The NYC Department for the Aging’s mission is to eliminate ageism and empower older adults to live independently in their communities. Through a network of more than 300 older adult centers and naturally occurring retirement communities, NYC Aging provides programs and resources for nearly 1.8 million older New Yorkers.