Don't Call It Exercise; It's Too Much Fun

Gardening, chair-exercises, and balloon volleyball are a few of the exercise options available for seniors.

The New Year is a time when many people start thinking about getting fit and exercising and it’s no different for seniors. As seniors age, remaining active becomes increasingly important. Senior living communities and caregivers should consider looking beyond traditional physical therapy options to keep seniors engaged and active.              Seniors are most receptive to physical therapy when caregivers and their therapists develop individualized plans that fit both their lifestyle and interests. Research shows that it is difficult to motivate seniors to begin to exercise if it hasn’t previously been a priority. Integrating modified, low-impact activities, like yoga, into seniors’ exercise plans increases the likelihood that they will …

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Seniors Find Inspiration, Fun in Creative Writing

Creative writing classes provide inspiration and feedback for Gulfport seniors.

Seniors by the dozens are proving that you are never too old to start writing the great American novel. They also pen poetry, short stories and memoirs to share. On Fridays,  mature citizens come together in Gulfport, at the city's Multi-Purpose Senior Center, 5501 27th Avenue S., to share their latest works. They are eager to read their latest pieces of writing and hear welcoming remarks from fellow members. They get constructive feedback. Every Thursday morning, a group of older aspiring writers gathers at St. Petersburg's Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N.  They read their works, get positive feedback from peers and hear about ways to improve their writings. These are just two examples of the many creative writing groups and workshops in…

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Support Share: The Caregiver's Perspective

Caregivers Are Heroes, But Not Superhuman

Taking breaks and attending to their own needs can help these dedicated men and women stay at their most effective.

Caregivers are heroes — they care for our community’s most vulnerable. They care for our youngest and eldest generations, provide care and support to the sick and dying, and assist those with substance abuse or mental health disorders and developmental or physical disabilities. These are the family members, friends, professionals, paraprofessionals and volunteers there for us during the most difficult and trying times of our lives. Although caregivers are heroes, they are not superheroes. They are prone to sickness, depression, sleep deprivation and neglecting other physical, emotional and spiritual needs for themselves. They give of themselves but too often forget to give back to themselves to stay physically and mentally healthy. Self …

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Daphne Taylor Street

11:31 am on Thursday, September 1, 2011

Thanks very much, William! I look forward to the opportunity --Daphne   more ›

Living Well

Living Well: National Senior Fitness Day

We celebrate thriving into old age - and offer some tips during Older Americans Month.

Celebrate fitness this Thursday, May 25, 2011. It's  National Senior Fitness Day, which marks the end of a month commemorating the achievements and contributions of older Americans. A celebration is planned for the special day at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center at 1:30 p.m. marking the final balance class in a series they’ve been offering. Historically, Pres. John F. Kennedy proclaimed May Senior Citizens Month in 1963. In 1980, Pres. Jimmy Carter changed the name to Older Americans Month. But whatever the title, it offers a chance to reflect on how to live well and into old age. One only needs to spend a little time at the Gulfport Senior Center to understand what older Americans mean to a community. From offering a historic …

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Senior Topics

New Horizons Shares the Music

The New Horizons band teaches people to play instruments and offers them the chance to perform throughout the community.

The New Horizons band from Eckerd College proves that you're never too old to learn to make music. The New Horizons band is a national program that encourages people in the community to pick up an instrument and learn to play in a group. David Irwin, the Eckerd College music coordinator, leads the local branch of the New Horizons band. Part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Eckerd, the New Horizons Band is a class that meets every Tuesday for people 50 and older. “The goal of the group is 50 years old, though we've had younger. We're not carding anyone,” Irwin said. The New Horizons band is split into two different groups, beginner and intermediate. Out of these two groups, members are encouraged to be part of the performance …

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Leigh Armstrong

4:33 pm on Monday, February 7, 2011

You guys were amazing! I'm definitely glad I got to see you play.   more ›

Living Well

Health Fair Offers Information, Screenings and Chance to Mingle

Senior Health and Beauty Fair offered vitally important screenings, information and a chance to form new bonds.

Since the doors to the Gulfport Senior Center opened in 1983, an annual health fair has been held and this year was no exception. Yet for the first time, the center relied on outside help to organize the Health and Beauty Fair, Jan. 24-25, 2011.  There were screenings for vision, hearing, blood pressure and diabetes. While the doors opened officially at 9:00 a.m., early arrivals were the norm. Sue Frank, supervisor at the Senior Center estimates attendance at around 200 during the two-day fair. “I really appreciate the screenings and it’s terrific Gulfport does this,” said Linda Ford, 69, a resident of South Pasadena and Manchester, England. Attendees had a chance to speak one-on-one with vendors and health screeners, gathering information…

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