Seniors stay in shape at QHC

One, two, cha-cha-cha. One, two, cha-cha-cha.
Seniors swayed their hips in line with this rhythm while dancing to Sister Sledge’s popular “We Are Family” song.
This was on Wednesday, August 6, during a morning dance session at Jamaica’s Queens Hospital Center intended to introduce an in-house 12-week exercise program which will be available to the elderly, said Karen Graham, director of senior care services at the hospital.
The exercise program is probably going to start in September and will be available to all seniors for one hour every week, Graham explained.
The hospital is going to incorporate exercise into its elderly care services, which are used by about 1,600 people, because of the numerous benefits of exercise, Graham said.
Exercise improves circulation and provides more strength; it also helps with body balance, which in turn reduces falls, explained William Gibbs, director of rehab medicine at the hospital. Exercise also makes the brain release endorphins, also known as feel-good hormones, Gibbs added.
Audrey Orra, 82, who receives senior care services at Queens Hospital Center, said that sometimes she does yoga and stretching at home, but welcomes the exercise program. “This will enable me to be serious about it [exercising]. When I exercise, I feel better,” Orra said.
If there is enough demand for the new fitness classes, they will likely turn into something permanent, said Graham.
Queens Hospital Center provides senior services at two other locations in Jamaica - The Charles R. Drew Center on 166-10 Archer Avenue and South Queens Multi-Service Center on 114-02 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard.
The hospital’s elderly services are also available in St. Albans, at Robert Couche Senior Center on 137-57 Farmers Boulevard.
At these locations seniors can receive referrals for sub-specialty consultation, help with completing transportation forms and nutritional counseling, among other things.
Queens Hospital Center, on 82-70 164th Street, has 260 beds. In January 2007, the hospital opened a six-story Ambulatory Care Pavilion.