National Senior Health & Fitness Day Fair at WIU Oct. 28
"Move a Little, Live a Lot!": Free Fitness Assessments, Screenings & More
The key to happy and healthy living in the "golden years" has a lot to do with social interaction, keeping up on healthy wellness and moving your body every day. To help area residents, ages 50+, maintain good health, the Western Illinois University School of Nursing, Applied Health and Human Performance will host a National Senior Health & Fitness Day from 2-4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28 on the WIU-Macomb campus.
As a way to launch the new institute, THRIVE (The Healthy Resources Institute for Vital Enrichment), at Western, the fair will be held in Brophy Hall. The event will feature free health and fitness screenings, including blood pressure, resting heart rate, measures of strength and flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness and balance, blood glucose, to name a few; presentations on such topics as nutrition, understanding medication interactions and exercise as medicine, and educational materials on healthy aging and wellness. Participants should wear tennis shoes and attire that will allow participation in the health and fitness screenings.
"We hope to celebrate and encourage area residents to participate in regular physical activity and wellness," said Tammi Bories, exercise science program coordinator. "National Senior Health & Fitness Day has been hosted across the country for several years, and one of my graduate classes hosted this in the past; however, this will be our first collaborative initiative between public health, dietetics and nursing to hold this event. This community service allows our students additional hands-on experience, while also highlighting their accomplishments in the classroom."
According to Bories, THRIVE was conceived eight years ago to offer civic engagement to WIU students, while promoting health and wellness to the outlying campus and greater community. The development of the School of Nursing, Applied Health, and Human Performance, as well as a contribution from Physical Education Professor and Kinesiology Chair Emerita Miriam Satern made launching THRIVE a perfect time, she added.
The event will kick off with remarks from WIU officials. Leesa Thompson of the WIU School of Nursing will present the keynote, "Know Your Numbers" at 3:30 p.m. The event will conclude with a special proclamation by Macomb Mayor Mike Inman at 4 p.m.
In addition, Bories coordinates the annual George Hermann Senior Games at Western each spring. The event is designed for individuals 50+ to join together to compete in events like golf, track and field, bowling and more. Registration will open in March 2027 for the Spring 2027 Senior Games.
The event is free to the public, and anyone aged 50 and over is encouraged to attend.
Advance registration is encouraged at bit. ly/WIUTHRIVE. People can also text WIUTHRIVE to the number 41444 to receive a registration link.
To donate to THRIVE, contact Emily Gillett at [email protected] or at 309-298-5083.
