Keeping seniors fit in Rockville Centre

Last week, the Sandel Senior Center launched a new program on the Village’s TV channel that offers seniors exercise classes. Executive Director Christine O’Leary has want to create such a program for some time, and said she was thrilled that the center was finally able to make it happen.

“There are so many people without access to the internet or a cellphone, and so they’re spending a lot of time watching television,” O’Leary said. “Right now, we can help keep people active, and, long-term, this is a good way for us to reach those who are homebound.”

O’Leary recorded an introduction of herself on her phone, and with technical support from Dan McCarthy, of the village’s technology department, her remarks and Deputy Director Nancy Codispoti’s fitness classes — also recorded on a phone at Codispoti’s home — were combined in a 40-minute video that now runs twice a day on the Optimum’s Channel 18 and Verizon’s Channel 37, and is also available online.

Having the technology in place, O’Leary said, will allow the center to expand on the programming. She said she hoped to periodically update the fitness class, and when the center reopens, it will be able to record lectures, art classes, interviews and other events that take place there, giving those who can’t be there the chance to share in the experience.

With the senior center closed for the past month, O’Leary said that it has been difficult not seeing the members, but she and the staff are doing their best to remain in contact with them. She records a robocall every Friday and sends an email blast, and other staffers check in with members at least once a week.

“We still have resources available for those having difficulties,” O’Leary said. “So if someone needs additional help, we can get them in touch with the right people.”

“Most people are doing fine,” she added. “Our members are surprisingly resilient, and most are still feeling connected to the community.”

Last month, O’Leary said, 104-year-old Betty Yoelson — Sandel’s most “senior” senior — called her and dictated the following message: “I was 3 years old in 1918, when the Spanish flu ravaged the entire world. And now again we will survive and recover, but only if we act with decency and compassion. Ladies, put on your lipstick, and make sure your top and bottom match.”

O’Leary posted the message on Sandel’s Facebook page, and described Yoelson as an “inspiration.” “If she can maintain her dignity, independence and sense of humor through all of this,” O’Leary said, “then we certainly can, too.”

Bob Becchina, 82, a 15-year member of the center, said he is usually there four or five times a week, and said he was an “avid participant” in the fitness classes at the center. He said he was in “pretty good shape, thanks to the center.” While it has been closed, he and his wife have also been walking the perimeter of their apartment building three or four times a day for exercise.

When the televised program was launched, Becchina was thrilled, he said. “My wife and I had a wonderful workout utilizing the village’s TV channel,” he said. “Through their genius, it allowed them to come right into our living room.”

“They’re not just offering a membership,” he added of the center’s staff and the programs they offer. They’re offering a healthy lifestyle.

“There’s no replacement for being in the senior itself,” he said, “but they’re there for us 24/7 — we know they’re available if we need them, and you can’t ask for more than that.”

Josephine Gallagher, 79, has also been taking part in the televised exercise classes. She said the aerobic exercise has not only had physical benefits for her, but has also been good for her mental state at a time when there is so much worry and negativity and so many distractions.

“It puts my mind in another place for 40 minutes, and gives me time to think,” Gallagher said. “It’s really awesome and great that the center has been able to utilize the technology.”