May 21, 2004
For Immediate Release
Contact: AoA Press Office (202) 401-4541

An estimated 150,000 older adults will participate in 1,500 fitness-related activities in 50 states on National Senior Health and Fitness Day—the nation’s largest health promotion event aimed at seniors. Organized as a public/private good health partnership by the Mature Market Resource Center, Senior Health and Fitness Day is celebrated the 3rd Wednesday in May each year in recognition of Older Americans Month. This year’s celebration is on May 26.

The U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) is pleased to join forces with the National Senior Health and Fitness Day organization to celebrate Senior Health and Fitness Day this year in Prince Georges County (PG). The event is expected to draw over 600 seniors. AoA will volunteer and participate in a wide range of health and fitness activities planned for the event, taking place the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex. A full day of activities are planned, including walking tour, chair exercise, aerobics, aqua aerobics, line dancing, swimming, crafts, Tai Chi, massage therapy, and heath exhibits. The Fitness Center will remain open throughout the event, and registered participants will receive a boxed lunch.

“ Aging Well, Living Well” is a powerful theme that has taken root in hundreds of programs and activities planned around the country to celebrate Older American’s Month this year,” said Josefina G. Carbonell*, Assistant Secretary for Aging at AoA and the keynote speaker for the PG County event. “This theme embodies the spirit of Senior Health and Fitness Day and we are delighted to participate in this event to help celebrate and encourage older Americans who are living longer, healthier, and more productive lives. There are many lively and fun-filled activities planned for Senior Health and Fitness Day; I encourage all area seniors to come out and join us on this day. There’s something for everybody!”

WHAT: National Senior Health and Fitness Day

WHEN: Wednesday, May 26, 2004
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. *Josefina G. Carbonell, Assistant Secretary for Aging, AoA will speak at 12:00 noon.

WHERE: Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Road
Landover, Maryland 20785

For more information about Senior Health and Fitness Day and activities planned for the PG County event, please visit www.fitnessday.com

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The AoA is a Federal agency dedicated to policy development, planning and the delivery of supportive home and community-based services to older persons and their caregivers through the national aging network of state and local agencies on aging, tribal organizations, service providers and volunteers.