WS Chronicle

By Judie Holcomb-Pack

The YMCA is a magnet for older adults and on a recent visit to the William G. White Jr. Family YMCA near downtown Winston-Salem, it was evident that this was the place to be. When you walk in the door, one of the first things you’ll notice is a group of older adults laughing and talking while playing board games.

Deborah Streeter is a senior activities volunteer and her outgoing personality is part of what sparks the fun for this group. Streeter said she read in AARP magazine that games boost spirits, so she approached Sherry Corson and asked about setting up a game day in the lobby of the YMCA. Streeter was given the go-ahead and she started planning activities. She knew that older adults needed an opportunity to socialize and that group games were a great way for them to make new friends. 

Streeter said, “It is important to keep the brain active as well as being physically fit.” Streeter said although the people may not know each other in the beginning, “everyone is friendly.” Joking around and trash-talking, the players were competitive, but in a friendly way. 

Streeter coordinates Game Day on Mondays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and games include Phase 10, bid whist, spades, dominoes, and other games. On the second Wednesday of each month there is bingo from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. with prizes. The first bingo card is free and additional cards are $1 each. The money goes into a fund to purchase snacks and additional prizes. Streeter often brings homemade goodies and snacks to share during games.

But Game Day and bingo are just a couple of the activities you’ll find at the YMCA. Sherry Corson, associate older active adults director, said there are over 200 events on the Y’s calendar for this year, including events at the Robinhood, Winston Lake, Fulton, William White locations in Winston-Salem and the Kernersville YMCA and Jerry Long YMCA in Clemmons. Corson stressed that it doesn’t matter your age or fitness level, “there is always something for you to do at the Y.”

Another popular class is water aerobics. This is an especially good way to exercise if you have back or joint problems because the water gives you a slight resistance as you do the various movements, but it doesn’t cause discomfort while you’re strengthening your muscles. From the laughter that was echoing in the pool area, it was as much fun as it was exercise.

One of the busiest areas was the pickleball courts. As mentioned in an article in last month’s For Seniors Only, pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports. Once considered a sport for older adults, now all ages are getting in on the fun. Families enjoy playing together, from grandparents to parents to kids. The YMCA’s indoor courts stay busy during open play, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. There is a sign-up sheet for players and the players rotate by game. There are ongoing classes on Monday mornings at the William White YMCA, as well as classes at other centers. Dr. Danny Spence, a certified pickleball instructor, teaches the Monday morning classes. 

SilverSneakers classes also provide a great workout for older adults. The movements help with building strength and muscle, as well as improving balance. Some of the exercises can be done seated so it can accommodate all levels of physical fitness. SilverSneakers is a popular program designed for older adults and is covered under most Medicare insurance and Medicare Advantage policies.

The YMCA also recognizes memberships in other YMCAs. Brenda Jorgenson was visiting the Y in Winston-Salem for the first time as a visitor to town. She said, “Everybody I met and played with was friendly and welcoming. I will be back!”

As in most places, the hub of conversation is around the coffee pot, and the YMCA is no exception. At a table drinking coffee were Richard Daniels Sr., executive director and vice president of community engagement, Woody Clinard, a long-time member, and Deborah Hartman, a new member. Clinard is 94 years young and had just finished the Monday Senior Circuit. Clinard lives close by and walks to the Y twice a day to take classes and to socialize. Clinard is well known in Winston-Salem as a “children’s champion” who is very involved in  supporting the summer Freedom Schools. Clinard commented that “this is the most diverse institution in the city.” 

Daniels agreed and said, “For 35 years I’ve been waking up every morning, getting a cup of coffee and saying a prayer and saying, ‘Lord, whose life am I going to serve today?’ And someone will walk in my door and say, ‘Do you have a minute?’”

Whether you want to develop a skill in a sport, improve your physical fitness, meet new friends, or just have a conversation over a cup of coffee, the YMCA is the place for you.

For more information on the activities available at the area YMCAs, as well as their calendar of classes and events, please visit www.ymcanwnc.org. If you’re unsure of making a commitment, you are always welcome to come as a guest one time at no cost. There is also a nonmember rate of $15 per day for drop-ins. The YMCA offers scholarships with reduced rates for those who would find paying for a full membership to be a hardship. If you’re interested in trying out the Y for a day, contact Sherry Corson at 336-721-2100  ext. 6265 or email s.corson@ymcanwnc.org to arrange a free day.