Older adults from across the region will gather at the YWCA of the Greater Triangle Wednesday to get active for the 16th Annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day.

The YWCA joins an estimated 1,000 organizations nationwide as an official host site on Wednesday, May 27, 2009.

To celebrate, the YWCA will hold a day of free activities available to the public. Events include various dance classes, blood sugar/blood pressure screenings, a presentation by Dr.
Mark Wood entitled "Understanding Arthritis," and many other fun activities for seniors to meet friends and stay active.

"Our goal is to help promote active, healthy lifestyles for older adults through physical fitness, good nutrition and preventive care," said Folami Bandele, executive director, YWCA of the Greater Triangle, Inc. "This is a wonderful opportunity for seniors to make the commitment to live healthier lives and enjoy a day filled with fun and friendship."

All activities are free for women and men and will be held at the YWCA location at 554 E. Hargett Street in Raleigh. Those interested are encouraged to register today. The schedule of activities includes:

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
--Check-in and Refreshments

9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
--Official Welcome: James West, Raleigh City Council

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
--Special Presentation: Dr. Mark Wood, Wake Orthopaedics, "Understanding Arthritis."

11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
--InterPlay® an activity designed to energize and reconnect to the wisdom of the body.
--Tai Chi to help seniors learn flowing movements for health and longevity.
--Bean Bag Toss contest.

12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
--Zumba® a zesty Latin dance exercise.
--Badminton.
--Horseshoes contest.
--Moore Square Walk to enjoy lunch.

ONGOING ACTIVITIES (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) --Blood Pressure Screenings.
--Glucose Blood Sugar Testing.
--Refreshment stands inside and outside at the YWCA.

The day's activities will be emceed by Shelia Wilson of WCLY, 1550AM. D.J. Slick will be spinning upbeat mood music throughout the day. For more information, please contact the YWCA at 834-7386.

National Senior Health & Fitness Day is always held on the last Wednesday in May in support of Older Americans Month and National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. NSHFD is coordinated by the Mature Market Resource Center.  An estimated 100,000 seniors are expected to participate nationally.

The YWCA draws together women and men who strive to improve the social and economic conditions that affect girls, women and their families.
Established locally in 1923, YWCA programs address disparities that still exist in health, education and economics to make life-changing differences for thousands of area families. YWCA programs are represented through four core initiatives: Women's Empowerment, Racial Justice, Youth Development, and Health and Wellness. As a private, non-profit organization, the YWCA is dedicated to promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.
http://www.ywcatriangle.org.