SALISBURY — On May 28, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center came alive with energy as it celebrated National Health and Fitness Day. Sponsored by Hearing Solutions in Salisbury, the event was held in honor of Older Americans Month. The day featured a range of activities and resources aimed at promoting health and wellness among seniors.
This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” reflected the center’s goal to encourage seniors to engage in fitness activities they might not normally consider. Bonnie Jones, the center’s marketing and media manager, said the event was designed to show that there are options for everyone. Angela Hendrix, the fitness manager, led the event, organizing demonstrations and coordinating with vendors.
From 9 a.m. to noon, seniors took part in 30-minute sessions including cardio drumming, Zumba, exercise classes, boxing, chair volleyball, and Pilates/yoga. Jones explained that many older adults do not see fitness as a daily priority, so the variety of classes helped show that there are ways to stay active for all interests and abilities.
Eva Martin, who joined an exercise class that day, said she attended because of the valuable information offered and her support for Rufty-Holmes. “They always have very good information,” she said. “It’s a wealth of information.”
Alongside the fitness demonstrations, numerous vendors were present, providing helpful resources and information tailored to seniors. Visitors could also enjoy health screenings and massages throughout the day. Jones noted that vendors were carefully selected to cover a broad range of senior-related needs.
Hearing Solutions, a returning vendor, had Dr. Lorin S. Oden and Dr. Sadie L. Mussler—both board-certified audiologists—at their table. Oden emphasized the connection between overall health and hearing health, saying the event was a perfect fit for them. Mussler added that participating helps build trust within the community, noting, “We are a family,” a core value at their practice.
Some vendors, like Care Medical Supply, participated for the first time. Mary Stevenson, the company’s customer service manager, explained they wanted to raise awareness about their durable medical equipment, such as diabetic shoes. Many seniors visited their table to learn more and discover resources available to them. “Many seniors don’t know about the resources until they come and realize, ‘Hey, that resource I can use,’” she said.
Juice Life, represented by Ashley and Cacy Honeycutt, also made their debut at the event. They offered samples of fresh juices and energy bites while sharing their commitment to healthy living. Ashley said they have been part of the community for eight years but many people still did not know about them. The company receives about 1,000 pounds of fresh produce daily and prepares juices, smoothies, wraps, and bowls onsite. Ashley said they valued the opportunity to connect with attendees and promote healthier food choices.
Anita Wallace, who attended an exercise class, enjoyed visiting the vendor tables while waiting for her session to start. Jones reported a strong turnout for the event, with fitness classes full and many seniors engaging with vendors and leaving with bags of giveaways. She expected the morning’s attendance to grow even more as the day went on.
National Health and Fitness Day at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center proved to be a successful celebration of wellness, community, and active living for older adults.
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