Anyone working with the older active adult? 60+

D_e_a_n_n_e

How do you integrate 50-80 year old participants in your classes? I've been doing Zumba Toning at my local Senior Center for the last 9 months. The majority of my classes have been 50-60 year old women. With the exception of my 83, who inspires everyone. Recently some of the other older women 65-75 have been coming in to give it a try. I'm going for Gold training next month and plan to obtain my Gold Toning license. I expect to learn how to work with this type of group then, but for now I feel like I'm not offering my younger clients what their used to. Suggestions?

msshiraz

Hi Deanne,
Glad you are getting (or possibly by now have) Gold. Its a format all its own, and your younger gals are going to have different needs- its best to separate the classes if you can. I have been teaching Gold for 2 years- and I still layer it into any new classes for newbies- the format is amazing!
Zumba Gold training ties in closely to the model of Silver Sneakers- as seniors have such different needs, they can't do cardio like we do in B1- their hearts are much older and would probably kill some if they tried. Can't have that!!
Seniors need from fitness, fun, repetitive movements, and strength training, because their minds are fighting age, and strength to help fight bone density and arthritis. Sorry didn't see this post before, but hope this helps

D_e_a_n_n_e

Thanks for your input. Yes I did get Gold and Gold Toning done. I haven't started anything formal with it, still waiting on my Gold Toning choreo to arrive. But yes, now that I know what the pace of a Gold class should be, I can't imagine my current class slowing down to that level. After learning about the Gold Chair Class, I think this would better suit some of the individuals that would like to try Zumba with me. The Senior Center that I currently teach at does offer a chair aerobics class, but it's a recording of their former instructor who had to permanently leave due to injury. My light bulb has turned on and maybe I hear a calling. If I do a regular Gold class, I will offer that separately. Might just call the Senior Center home:) I really enjoy working with them. They remind me to slow down and enjoy life, enjoy my 5 year old while he's still a 5 year old.