Parker Jewish Institute is making it easy for older adults and their families to stay active and fit, while staying safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
These adults can take part in Zumba, strength exercise classes with light weights, chair yoga and more. Also available are virtual memory cafes, where older adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s, and their caregivers, can gather in the comfort of their homes for a stress-free environment to enjoy music and conversation, and build new friendships.
Supporting these efforts is Parker’s Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands – a community program serving family caregivers in Nassau and Suffolk counties. The group helps family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias connect to resources and services.
These resources are especially vital during the stay-at-home mandate invoked to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Medical experts at Parker say that the online programs help older adults and their families practice self-care and cope with stress. The programs are featured on Parker’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, where there are links to sign up for events, and community members can share posts to encourage friends to join in the fun.
“Through Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands, Parker is helping older adults and their families and friends stay connected in engaging new ways to help maintain their physical and mental health,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s President and CEO. “These activities boost our immune systems and improve overall health.”
