Natalie MAIER

The YMCA and Pfizer Inc. have launched a new program for seniors at the two local Ys. “50 Moving Forward” is intended to help inspire and encourage adults 50 years and older to learn about healthy eating habits, participate in physical activities and take preventive measures for their health, such as getting vaccinations and screenings, all while having fun and engaging in social interaction with community members.

Y members and non-members are encouraged to sign up for this non-fee program, either in person at the Crescenta-Cañada or Verdugo Hills YMCA. Online registration is also available at YMCA.net/50MovingForward. Participants will receive weekly emails about health care as well as a full calendar of physical activities classes offered at the Y.

The program runs for eight weeks and started on March 18.

Rosanne Malogolowkin, executive director at the La Cañada Y, explained that the program targets those 50-and-60-year-olds who might have been neglecting their health but now want to start taking positive action.

“I think [the seniors] will get a lot of knowledge in things which they were not aware or thinking about before when it comes to health in general,” Malogolowkin said. “And most important of all is they will meet others like themselves, make new friends, and the hope is that they will have a support group.”

Currently, 250 people in the local area have joined the 50 Moving Forward program. The Y hopes to see 1,000 participants within the next eight weeks.

“We hope to get as many people from the community as possible, because it’s really not just for our members, it is for our community,” Malogolowkin said.

The public is also encouraged to stop by the Y’s Community Café that recently opened. Chef Scott Simpson brings over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry to the La Cañada Y and will prepare a large assortment of healthy menu items. The café is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. 2 p.m. on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays. The café is open to members and non-members of the Y.

  Natalie MAIER