By Esther Winterfeldt
Special Cove Correspondent
The Spanish Cove Retirement Village in Yukon is one of 10 communities nationwide that were recognized for its efforts during Active Aging Week in October.
Out of numerous applications submitted, award sponsor Humana Insurance Company selected Spanish Cove as demonstrating one of the most active senior communities during the week.
Debbie Miller, the wellness and fitness director at Spanish Cove, submitted the application.
In addition to the recognition, Spanish Cove received $1,000.
The awards are provided along with the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) who sponsors Active Aging Week.
The Council organization selects the winners based on stories and pictures provided.
Any retirement community or senior center in the U.S., Canada, or the Bahamas can enter the competition for the awards as long as they are registered to participate in Active Aging Week through
the ICAA.
Spanish Cove offers a variety of exercise and fitness programs including yoga, stretch and strengthen, tai chi, pool exercises, music and movement, line dancing and dragon boat paddling. Voluntary overall fitness testing of residents is conducted yearly and the test results compared to national testing scores by age and gender groups.
Spanish Cove residents routinely test at levels at or above national
data.
Nursing students from the University of Central Oklahoma and Nutrition researchers and students from Oklahoma State University assist with the fitness tests.
The winning entry submitted by Miller with the help of others included a list of several activities offered during the week.
A wellness walk at Red Rock Canyon and participation in the dragon boat paddling competition in October were among those featured. Educational programs included a seminar on cannabis and talks on “Living Longer Better”.
“This is national recognition for the fitness and wellness activities provided at Spanish Cove,” Miller said. “We feature all dimensions of wellness and in so doing, show what active aging looks like.
“In meeting our resident’s physical and mental health needs by benefitting their overall quality and even length of life.”
