Seniors Get ‘Physical,’ Feel Great

While a stereotypical senior citizen might be found cruising for garage sales and bingo games, Irene Owens and Virginia Haddix travel throughout Orange County looking for something different--exercise classes.

The two Anaheim widows, who are in their 60s, attend two or three classes almost daily throughout the county, showing a stamina and exuberance rare in people half their age.

“After my husband died 12 years ago, I got tired of looking at the same four walls,” Owens said. “And I looked around and I found this. It makes me feel great.”

“But it’s also great for socializing too,” Haddix said. “And when I’m done, I feel so good and so invigorated.”

The duo was talking after finishing Pamela Klusmeyer’s Wednesday morning exercise class at the West Anaheim Senior Citizens Center. The free class, which has about 60 enrollees, is sponsored by the North Orange County Community College District’s Adult Education Department.

“Exercise is important for everyone, but it is particularly important for seniors,” said Klusmeyer, a licensed recreation therapist. “Many of them have health problems and arthritis. And exercise might hurt . . . a little, but it so increases their flexibility and stamina.”

On this particular day, 25 seniors--24 women and one man--were present and most were dressed in sweat suits and sneakers.

“I don’t know why there aren’t more men in the class,” Klusmeyer said. “Maybe they just figure ‘I’ve worked all my life and now that I’m retired, I’m just going to rest.’ ”

Klusmeyer’s seniors began with a brisk 15-minute walk, doing several laps around the inside of the center’s auditorium. They then did some stretching, with most having no difficulty touching their toes. Some were able to place their palms on the floor.

It was then time for line dancing, a form of low-impact aerobics that the group did for about an hour.

With such songs as Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” and Frankie Valli’s “Sheri” playing in the background, the group swayed, bounced and kicked, taking about a one-minute break between songs.

“Eleven years ago, my doctor told me I had elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure and that I should start exercising,” Ruby Parry, 63, said. “Since I started, my cholesterol and blood pressure have improved, and I feel better today than I did 11 years ago.”

Pat Candow, who has been exercising regularly for three years, said, “My breathing is better, the heart murmur that I used to have is gone and a touch of osteoporosis is under control.”

Estelle Mihalo said the class helps her start her day.

“Just being active gives me so much enjoyment,” she said. “And this class makes me happy all day.”