A free program for seniors at the city public pool in Astoria Pool is going swimmingly, according to many of its participants.
The ‘Senior Splash’ program offers seniors the chance to participate in water aerobics, water ballet, and swimming classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The program also takes place at the Fort Totten Pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m.
Blanca Saravia, who teaches the water ballet class and has worked at the pool for four years, said the senior citizen program began more than 15 years ago.
“They love it – it’s a nice place where you can go and exercise sometime,” said Saravia, who said the water aerobics class usually has about 30 people, while the water ballet class often has six participants.
Astoria retiree Mary Lou Farruggio, 76, has been coming to the pool three days a week, rain or shine for at least five years.
“I enjoy it every year; I keep my fingers crossed that they’ll open it every year,” she said. Last year, Farruggio and her husband won the relay race in the end-of-season senior citizen games at the pool.
Aside from the social aspects, the pool is useful for therapeutic purposes as well.
Ridgewood retiree Else Kern, 79, had knee surgery seven years ago. Her doctor recommended that she try water aerobics, so she began coming to the Astoria Pool class last week. “
“I had a knee operation and I have problems walking and bending it, and since last week, I feel much better,” Kern said.
James Massalin, 67, and his wife Terry, also touted the therapeutic benefits of water aerobics, which they have been attending for the last three years. After the class, they walk back and forth in the water.
“It’s easy on your joints, your knees. I have arthritis in both knees. It’s difficult walking regularly, but in here, it’s easier. Water in general makes it feel better,” said Massalin. “We used to go to the beach, but this is so convenient; it’s right there.”
The free classes are appreciated by Denise Masiello, 60, a legal secretary from Maspeth. “There’s no cost to people, and for someone who’s unemployed, it’s wonderful.”
Masiello has been unemployed since her company moved out of New York, but she said the plus-side is, she gets to come to the pool. Masiello also appreciates the convenience.
“If you can’t drive out to the beach, you can still enjoy the water; this is my beach, my cement beach,” Masiello said.
For more information, seniors should call 718-760-6969.
