Observed annually the last Wednesday of May, National Senior Health and Fitness Day is celebrating its 31st year of coordinating local health events nationwide to inspire seniors to stay healthy and fit. As the event’s exclusive sponsor for the third consecutive year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico collaborated with the City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs to bring over 300 older adults in the community together to promote healthy living.
“I come to this event every year and it’s always so much fun. I always run into people I haven’t seen in a while, and I enjoy the exercising and the comradery. It’s just a great health and social event.” — Esther Roybal, 82
Instructors led low-impact exercises such as Zumba and Tai Chi, and participants visited a mini health fair that included cardiovascular and medication assessments, fall-prevention activities and wellness information. The BCBSNM Care Van offered no-cost blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings administered by Optum Medical Group.
“Part of our mission and goal is to ensure that seniors are living a healthy lifestyle,” says Angel Montoya, recreation division manager for the senior affairs department. “We host this event to promote healthy aging, provide health and wellness resources and just have a fun event for seniors to showcase how fit they are.”