MANY HAVE heard the popular adage, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” But it’s possible that many of you read that and immediately shrugged and thought, “But with who? I don’t have anyone to go with.” While one can understand and empathize with this aching feeling, the truthful answer to that question is, “With anyone!” Just begin.
The winter holiday season is a period for resting and reflection, then later refocusing and realigning. There’s that natural break in time that beckons you to have the courage to reach out or to start again. The first of the year is the perfect time to join a club, pick up a hobby, or create a group. The first of the year is the ideal time to “go together.”
For seniors looking to connect in Lincoln County, the Fayetteville Senior Center is a great first step toward health and happiness, and that is primarily due to the amazing people there. Center Director Henrietta Towry shared, “The people here are so warm and caring. They look out for each other and feed off one another. If someone is having a bad day, they are pulled deeper into the group. It’s just a very loving, safe, and kind environment.”
In addition to the warm and welcoming people at the Center, the Fayetteville Senior Center is also a place of vibrant fun and activity. On any given day of the week, there’s bound to be a group of people in the middle of a billiards game. Playing cards and board games spread across tables is a typical sight. Towry said, “It’s very rewarding to walk into the Senior Center, hear laughter, and see smiling faces and the fellowship among everyone there. When I walk out there and see that, I feel like my work here is done.”
The Center has more structured programs and planned events, such as arts and crafts classes, bible studies, bingo games, and exercise classes! Being connected, staying active, and even laughing is not only beneficial but crucial to health and happiness, which can directly affect longevity.
The exercise class, led by an instructor, is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. The class starts with fellowship, stretching, and balance exercises. Then it moves into a light cardio segment.
Towry shared, “The class is for all levels of capabilities. If you feel you are limited to your chair, that’s fine! You can do everything our instructor does, seated in your chair. But if you can get up, stretch, and move around, you’re also invited to do that.”
The Center provides all the equipment needed to perform the exercises (including stretch bands, small balls, and weights). All you have to do is muster up some courage and attend! At the end of the class, the group typically does a line dance or two, such as the electric slide. Towry concluded, “When the hour is over, you’ve had a good workout.” The cost of the class is $10 a month.
Don’t stay stuck in the same cycles this year. Reach out. Try something new. You will be better for it emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. To connect, visit the Fayetteville Senior Center at 908 Washington St. W. in Fayetteville. GN
