MEADVILLE — Well, just look outside … winter has arrived. And those who are not “snow birds” will typically hunker down during the cold weather months. For older people, that hunkering down activity could potentially weaken the body’s joints, muscles and bones.

In turn, this lack of regular movement can promote obesity and poor posture from sitting around all day as well as create increased threats of depression and stress.

The frigid temperatures shouldn’t leave you immobilized. One of the best ways to cope with winter is to become more physically active, not less. However, for older people, being out in the cold air to participate in snow sports may not be the optimal solution. Stress on the joints and bones from skiing, snowboarding or even snowshoeing or walking may cause more problems if not first conditioned. So, what’s the answer?

One of the best ways to maintain an exercise regime through the frosty winter is to do something that keeps you warm. That basically requires something indoors. According to Café Baby Boomers, a web-based organization focused on people over age 50, high impact aerobic exercise can have a detrimental impact on the bones, joints and muscles of seniors.

That’s why they believe that the ideal activity for this population is swimming. A recent article from Café Baby Boomers described swimming as the best way “to get in shape” and improve your overall fitness level — while staying warm.

It is common knowledge that regular exercise such as swimming combats the onset of health issues as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and some cancers. Regular exercise will also boost the immune system to help fight off diseases, especially influenza and the even common cold.

According to Café Baby Boomers, swimming is the best exercise for the older generations because it is easy on the joints, as the body can move weightless through the water. The article noted that “the human body is approximately the same density as water so that it is easily supported by it. … When we swim we move our bodies in ways that are fundamentally different than when we exercise in other ways.”

While there are many benefits to exercise, these are the key benefits of swimming in particular:

1. Improved cardiovascular conditioning

2. Improved flexibility

3. Improved physical appearance due to muscle toning

4. Improved posture

5. Increased muscle strength

6. Eased muscle tension

7. Improved balance

8. Weight and appetite control

9. Stress reduction

10. Reduced risk of osteoporosis

As you age, regular exercise can help you live with improved overall health. If you hate the idea of winter sports or anything that requires being in the frigid air or the mounds of snow, then jump in a heated pool and not only warm your muscles but warm your heart toward greater health.

So, where in Meadville can you swim? There are several swimming pools open to the general public. There is the Meadville Area Recreational Complex, which caters to families and children. There are neither senior-specific water classes nor swim instructors. This is specifically for recreational activity and may be an option for those who already have a swimming regime.

Another option would be the Meadville Family YMCA. Its pool caters to a wide variety of generations as well as swimming abilities. Swim instructors and coaches are available to help you make the most of your water activities. Furthermore, several water aerobic classes are scattered throughout the week, including deep water and regular water aerobics. With the water temperature warmly set at 86 degrees, this particular pool makes water walking an easy activity for those who want to stay active through the winter.

Both pools will cost you a bit of money. The MARC charges $4 for a general admission pass and membership rates vary depending on your residence. The YMCA also charges $10 for a day pass, but monthly memberships are also available. A benefit for utilizing the YMCA pool is the potential of subsidized memberships. Silver Sneakers is a senior citizen focused program offered through Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield that could either pay for all or part of your membership.

Consider checking out the options. Having access to a heated pool to stay warm in the wintertime should make the effort worthwhile!



Bell, Ph.D., MPH, serves as an officer with the Crawford Health Improvement Coalition and is an adjunct faculty member with Ashford University. To discuss this issue further, go to crawfordcountyhealth.blogspot.com.