Exercisers ‘bone up’ against osteoporosis

Julie Fish wants to help seniors “bone up” on exercise. The energetic 82-year-old is looking forward to teaching her first Bone Builders class at the Hammond Street Senior Center in July.

“I had been in Louise’s [Bonawitz, Fitness Center manager at HSSC] exercise class for months when she asked me if I’d be a class leader for Bone Builders,” said Fish. “I enjoyed the exercise class I was in and working with people my age so I said I’d try it.” Fish attended an eight-hour training session to become an instructor.

“I’m excited but still wondering how I’ll do, and I’m waiting to see how the senior moments interfere,” she added with a laugh.

“We’re excited to be collaborating with the HSSC, and soon the YWCA in Bangor, to provide these classes to older citizens with, or concerned about, osteoporosis,” said Jane Harris Bartley, director of the UMaine Center on Aging, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. “These exercise classes are based on research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Bringing effective and quality programming to our communities and partnering with local agencies and organizations is a win-win solution for everyone.”

Bone Builders, while true to its name, offers so much more.

“The program uses weight training to increase muscular strength and bone density, which can help prevent osteoporosis and resulting fractures,” said Bonawitz, a Bone Builders instructor. “The classes also improve balance, enhance participants’ energy level and promote a sense of well-being.”

There is also an educational component to the program.

“The last 10 minutes or so of the class is devoted to discussion,” said Bonawitz. “We found that just as exercise can effect bone density, other lifestyle changes can help improve bone density as well. Discussions can include calcium intake, quitting smoking, how to get enough calcium if you are lactose intolerant, diabetes, even recipe swapping. Anything the group wants to talk about that is health-related.”

The program is free to participants. The instructors are specially trained RSVP volunteers and the space for the classes is donated by organizations concerned about seniors’ health. The maximum class size is 15, and the weights used range from one to 20 pounds. They are provided by RSVP.

It’s important to note that everyone progresses at his or her own speed, after the first two weeks, which is the “getting familiar” period, said Bonawitz.

“We are looking for volunteers who are enthusiastic about exercise and would like to lead a class,” she said. “But commitment is important. Instructors and students need to attend the classes twice a week for a minimum of six months.”

Once trained, an instructor can set up classes anywhere from church basements to senior centers. RSVP has limited funds to donate weights to every new group but will work with the organization and make every attempt to get them properly equipped.

“I think the Bone Builders classes are going to be important,” said Fish. “I saw a difference in myself when I [exercised]. I had a knee and a hip replaced but it didn’t slow me down. Strengthening my muscles helped with that.”

And how does the former nurse feel about a new venture as an exercise teacher?

“Well, I always said that when I retired I wasn’t going to just sit in a rocking chair and rot.”

For more information about Bone Builders classes, call Louise Bonawitz at 262-5532. For information about RSVP, call Jane Harris Bartley at 581-4418.

Eastern Agency on Aging is holding its first annual appeal campaign. If you’d like to donate and help us continue our mission of serving seniors, please send a check made out to EAA Annual Appeal, 450 Essex St., Bangor 04401. Thank you.

Carol Higgins is communications director at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, or email info@eaaa.org.