Fostering Connections for Better Health

Seniors from Monmouth and Ocean counties are invited to a special day of wellness and social connections on May 29 at YMCAs in Freehold, Old Bridge, Red Bank, and Toms River.

The free event celebrates National Senior Health & Fitness Day® and marks Older Americans Month, honoring the contributions of older adults in communities across the country. In Monmouth County, seniors comprise 19.4 percent of the total population and nearly 23 percent of residents in Ocean County, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“The Y is dedicated to keeping seniors engaged, active, and healthy,” said Laurie Goganzer, serving as chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County and the Ocean County YMCA . “We strive to make the Y a hub for social connections and wellness activities that contribute to overall well-being,” she added.

Seniors will enjoy a variety of wellness seminars, aqua and fitness classes, health screenings, information on mental health resources, games, prizes, and more at the celebration, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A healthy lunch will be provided by Fulfill and all seniors will receive a one-week pass to the YMCA location of their choice.

The Mental Health Association will present a lunch and learn workshop, “Up Side of Down, Tips for Successful Aging,” from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. in Freehold, and 10:50-11:20 a.m. in Red Bank, and all participants will receive a free cooler bag at the end of the presentation.

The senior event is partially funded by the Monmouth County Suicide Prevention Grant. In addition to Fulfill and the Mental Health Association, community partners include Atlantic Physical Therapy Center, Columbia Bank, Jag-One Physical Therapy, Hackensack Meridian Health, Monmouth County, Ocean County Health Department and Ocean County Senior Services.

For more information about activities at specific locations, please visit: ymcanj.org/seniorhealthday or email info@ymcanj.org.

About YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
For 150 years, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has been here for all – to empower youth and teens, improve health and strengthen community. Over the past five years, our Y has provided more than $5 million in financial assistance and subsidies to Y participants throughout greater Monmouth County. Our life-changing programs and services are anchored in eight communities: health and wellness facilities in Freehold Township, Old Bridge and Red Bank; an outdoor day camp in Wall; counseling and social service centers in Eatontown, Matawan and Middletown; a childcare center in Freehold Township; and integrated in over 100 schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Named a New Jersey Top Workplace in 2023 and 2022 by New Jersey Advance Media, we’re based in Shrewsbury, NJ. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org.

About Ocean County YMCA
At the Y, we take immense pride in our work to strengthen communities and help all of us be our best selves. We provide a place to play, to learn, to be healthy, and to give back. We believe that everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from, deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Everything the Y does is in service of making sure people and communities thrive. The Ocean County YMCA in Toms River features the following onsite amenities: 6,800 sq. ft. functional wellness arena, cardiovascular center, 12 lane competitive size pool with access to adult and family locker rooms, and child watch room. To learn more, visit ocymca.org.