Networking: Organization’s staff has a collective goal to keep seniors active and engaged

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Deb Sexton leads seniors in exercise classes at Senior Life Network in Oakwood Mall.
Deb Sexton leads seniors in exercise classes at Senior Life Network in Oakwood Mall.
Tommie Harmon (left) and her husband, Glen, use weights while exercising during a Senior Life Network session at Oakwood Mall.
Pat Schweer (right) and Midori Miyashiro use weights in class at Senior Life Network in Oakwood Mall.

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February 20, 2010

By Bridget Nash Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle The Enid News and Eagle Sat Feb 20, 2010, 11:06 PM CST

ENID — Aging is inevitable. It begins at conception. It is an individual’s choice on whether to embrace it.

Enid’s Senior Life Network is a nonprofit organization that promotes healthy living and aging.

Located in Oakwood Mall, 4125 W. Garriott, Senior Life Network offers a plethora of opportunities — including monthly health screenings, educational programs, exercise classes, a resource library and physician referral service — for anyone age 55 and older.

“Our concept is not a senior center concept,” said Senior Life Network director Leigh Vahovi-us. “Here we really want to offer people an opportunity to come in and get exercise, education and really a socialization aspect as well.”

Senior Life Network was developed in 1987 by Northwest Oklahoma Osteopathic Foun-dation and also has been sponsored by Integris Bass Baptist Health Center since 1996.

Members of Senior Life Net-work pay a one-time-only $10 fee when they join, and membership allows them to use the programs resources and even use the organization’s coat closet if they want to come in and “mall walk” for exercise.

Exercise classes include benchstep and low impact aerobics, strength and flexibility and yoga. Exercise classes cost members $3 each time they attend.

Seniors also may visit Senior Life Network for recreation several times a week if they wish, and each month there are educational forums for any member who would like to attend.

In April there will be an educational forum concerning diabetes, and in March there will be an AARP safe driving course.

“It’s a one-day 9 to 5 course,” said Vahovius. A possible incentive for attending the safe driving course is reduced car insurance premiums.

Members of the Senior Life Network don’t just stay in the Enid facility.

“We have travel opportunities,” said Vahovius. “The last trip, we went to Alaska.”

There also are day-trips to places like Oklahoma City or Wichita, Kan.

This year the staff hopes to increase its membership by making the program better known.

“I really want to focus on getting more advertising and awareness of the program,” said Vahovius. “We really, truly want people out here. We want them to come and engage.”

She said it is the staff’s goal to increase quality of life for members.

“We want people to live healthy, stay well and feel well,” said Vahovius.

Senior Life Network is open 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Come see us,” said Vahovius. “We love to see new faces.”

Those wishing information can visit the facility in Oakwood Mall or call 234-6060.

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