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at the Center on Aging's "Powerful Aging" program. "It's for their mind, body and spirit," Root said. While exercise programs for the elderly are seen as a healthy and positive trend that allow older people to remain independent longer, experts say that participants still need to be cautious. No one should jump into an exercise program without checking with a doctor first. Kuchel said consumers should also be aware that there is no standardized way of certifying exercise trainers, like there is in the medical field. When seeking out a trainer or program, Kuchel said consumers need to ask: "Do they have expertise working with the elderly?" "If you have a trainer that is skilled who only works with athletes, their skills may not be good for someone in their 70s, 80s or 90s," he said. Kuchel recommends asking for references. He says the best thing to do is query a trainer "as you would for a roofing contractor, get names of references who you could call and see how things went from the perspective of that individual." Waking up with a purpose At the YMCA in Naugatuck, which offers nearly 30 classes for the elderly, mornings resemble a social hour for retired residents. Many take more than one class. Karen Lineweber, who is the Y's membership director, had special training in Chicago, becoming certified in the EnhanceFitness exercise program, which originated in Washington in the mid-1990s. She said many of the gym's older members — who range in age from their 60s to their early 90s — are widows. "ey get up in the morning with a purpose," Lineweber said. Naugatuck YMCA member Jeanette Gaudette, of Prospect, said that her EnhanceFitness classes have helped her recover from an operation more quickly than her doctors expected. "ey couldn't believe the energy I had while recuperating," said Gaudette, who exercised almost daily before her operation. Meeting demand e ICAA's Milner said that 20 years ago, retirement communities were very resistant to allowing elderly residents to exercise. Now, most retirement-home executives realize fitness is healthy. ey are also realizing that good fitness programs and facilities are essential to their financial growth. "Residents who are healthier and independent stay in a community longer, which reduces attrition and adds to the bottom line," Milner said. e aging population is just fine with this, of course, preferring to be as healthy and independent as long as possible. Kuchel said that when elderly patients are asked what is the most important thing they are trying to accomplish with their health, they say they want to stay in their home and avoid the nursing home. Active-aging Programs in CT EnhanceFitness: An exercise program for both active and frailer older adults and levels offered by several Connecticut YMCAs. Powerful Aging program: An exercise program at UConn Health targeted at adults ages 50 and older who are in generally good health. SilverSneakers: A fitness program, owned by Tivity Health, offered by 60 health plans at several dozen Connecticut locations and beyond. H P H O T O S \ \ U C O N N H E A L T H / J A N I N E G E L I N E A U Mary Root (above) says exercise can help seniors with both their physical and mental well being. (Right) Naugatuck YMCA director Karen Lineweber is certified by the EnhanceFitness program, which targets older adults of various abilities. "If you have a trainer that is skilled who only works with athletes, their skills may not be good for someone in their 70s, 80s or 90s." Dr. George Kuchel P H O T O \ \ K A R E N A L I P H O T O \ \ F R A N K B A R T O N GREATER HARTFORD HEALTH • Spring 2017 17