A walk every day keeps the doctor away Free class helps seniors

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Feb 11, 2006 | by Tasha Bartholomew, STAFF WRITER

HAYWARD -- While most people are just rolling out of bed, senior citizens in the fitness walking class at Southland mall have been up since the crack of dawn.

It's 7 a.m. on a recent weekday, and about 40 seniors get ready to do their daily warm-up routine with instructor Despina Bogdanos in front of a not-yet-open J.C. Penney store.

Each morning, Monday through Friday, participants in the class stride around the mall before it opens to the general public. One lap is three-fourths of a mile, and everyone is allowed to go at their own pace.

Peggy Kapellas, who turned 90 this month, has been in the class for the past seven years.

"I'm trying to keep young, and I love to exercise," Kapellas said. "I live next door (to Southland), so there is no excuse."

In an effort to get seniors out of their homes and on their feet, Southland mall provides the free fitness class in collaboration with the Hayward Adult School and Kaiser Hospital. Bogdanos helped start it 17 years ago inside the safe, climate-controlled shopping center.

Although the class has been around for so many years, Bogdanos said, there are always some seniors that still don't know about it. Currently, 100 are signed up, and anywhere from 35 to 50 show up daily. Bogdanos would like to get even more involved.

To participate, all seniors need is a good pair of walking shoes. On completing 100 miles, they will receive a free T-shirt.

"Walking is the best exercise you can do," Bogdanos said.

Vern Young, who has been in the class for 15 years, said, "It keeps you active and is good for your heart."

According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, the No. 1 exercise activity for people aged 55 and older is walking, which is considered one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to keep fit. Regular exercise is considered one of the key ways to increase longevity and stamina as people grow older.

Vee McKnight, who has been in the class for 10 years, said not only is it good for improving health, but it's also a great way for seniors to socialize.

After the walking class, many of the seniors go downstairs into the food court, get a cup of coffee from the Burger King and spend time chatting.

Many of them said they've developed some great friendships as a result of the class, and they look out for one another.

"It's a really caring bunch, and if I'm not here for two or three days they call me," Kapellas said.

The free fitness walking class meets from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday in Southland mall. For more information, contact Despina Bogdanos at (510) 783-0114.

On Saturdays, Senior Journal spotlights remarkable local seniors, issues that are important to them, organizations that are there to help or activities they enjoy. If you know of an interesting Hayward- area senior, important issue or effective organization, please call (510) 293-2468; write us at 22533 Foothill Blvd., Hayward, 94541; or send a fax to (510) 293-2490.

Hayward-based Spectrum Community Services serves a complete lunch weekdays for a suggested minimum donation of $3.25. For information and dining room locations, call (510) 881-0300. Here's next week's menu:

Feb. 13-17

- Monday: Old-fashioned beef stew with celery, onions, carrots and potatoes; coleslaw salad with grated carrot and pineapple dressing; fresh-baked biscuit; fruit cup.

- Tuesday: Roasted chicken with herb gravy; garlic mashed potatoes; peas and carrots; whole-wheat roll; sweetheart fruited parfait.

- Wednesday: Tomato and rice soup with crackers; chicken enchiladas with sour cream cheese sauce; Spanish rice; coleslaw salad; fresh banana; hamburger or veggie burger.

- Thursday: Cream of broccoli soup and crackers; low-salt ham and cheese sandwich with lettuce, mustard and mayo on rye bread; homemade red potato salad; chocolate chip cookies; hamburger or veggie burger.

- Friday: Baked turkey breast; sage gravy; cornbread stuffing; California- blend vegetables; cranberry sauce with pineapple rings; fruit turnover.