University Advancement

Public Relations and Strategic Communications

MEDIA RELEASE

CSUN to Co-Host Fitness Festival for Senior Citizens

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Nov. 30, 2007) — Cal State Northridge and the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Aging will jointly host a festival dedicated to educating senior citizens on health and fitness.

The "Festival of Fitness: Motivating Older Adults to Sustain Active Lifestyles" will take place Saturday, Dec. 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., in CSUN’s University Student Union located on the east side of campus at 18111 Nordhoff St.

Participants will explore available health and fitness resources within the community and try fun exercise activities intended to improve their overall well-being. Activities will include exercising, stretching, balance and physical therapy.

"Fitness is key to maintaining independence and high quality of life as we grow older," said Debra Sheets, coordinator of the gerontology program at CSUN. "It is never too early or too late in life to begin exercising."

Sheets said student members of Sigma Phi Omega, the gerontology honor society at CSUN, will be providing assistance at the event.

"Our students will be volunteering throughout the day to provide support to the seniors participating in the activities and any other help needed," she said. The mission of Sigma Phi Omega is to promote scholarships, research, professionalism and excellence in gerontology and aging services. It recognizes the high attainment needed to pursue academic and clinical excellence in these areas.

"The speakers and exhibitors [at the festival] will provide both seniors and students with information on how to adopt a healthier lifestyle and how exercise can be adapted if there are limitations due to chronic disabling conditions such as arthritis, stroke or heart disease," said Sheets.

The event will include a complimentary continental breakfast and lunch, and a series of hands-on activities and exercise for seniors, including discussions on supportive services to assist seniors "age in place" and free balance assessments by Progressive Physical Therapy & Northridge Podiatry throughout the day.

"The event promotes student learning about aging through active participation and interaction with older adults in intergenerational activities that promote fitness," said Sheets.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will receive validation for the $5 fee to park in student lot G4.

To register for this event, call (213) 252-3322.