Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host its 14th annual Gathering to celebrate seniors living healthy lifestyles on Monday, October 7, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Nearly 1,000 seniors ages 65 to 100 attend educational sessions to learn about practicing mindfulness to increase resilience, managing back pain, eating well and improving balance to prevent falls. There will be opportunities to get active by engaging in activities like dance and sound bath meditation. Participants will also visit with representatives from approximately 50 local organizations that offer products and services for healthy and active aging.
The 14th annual Gathering will conclude with a luncheon program including presentations of Thrive awards to seniors who have inspired and strengthened their communities through exercise, volunteering and social interaction as well as entertainment and a singalong with Minnesota native Gary LaRue and Rat Pack Entertainment.
The Gathering is sponsored by SilverSneakers by Tivity Health, Allina Health – Aetna, Summit Orthopedics, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota, Matrix, Medica Foundation, Octane Fitness and Orthology.
WHO:
YMCA of the North
WHAT:
YMCA 14th Annual Gathering
WHERE:
Minneapolis Convention Center at 1301 2nd Avenue South in Minneapolis, MN 55403
WHEN:
Monday, October 7, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Luncheon program begins at 12:15 p.m.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
- 10:15 a.m. – Noon - Dancing, sound bath mediation and educational sessions
- 12:35 p.m. - Entertainment by Gary LaRue and Rat Pack Entertainment
- 1:05 p.m. – Presentation of ForeverWell Thrive awards to celebrate outstanding Y members
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- 86-year old retired teacher whose dedication to staying fit brings her to the Y every day, early in the morning, participating in a wide range of classes. She is a wonderful example of how to age with grace and strength.
- 77-year old woman whose joyful persona greets all newcomers to class and has created a real sense of family at her YMCA. She also makes sure members who are ill or struggling stay connected to the Y.
- 77-year old Kurdish immigrant, who along with his wife, have made the Y their second home. They literally come in the morning and leave late afternoon every day, staying fit and making friends.
- 85-year old man, who has been involved with the Y since he was a child attending camp. Now his dedication to service shines through his volunteer activities, including running a fundraising Christmas Tree lot both here and in California.
- 1:25 p.m. – 1,000+ people participating in singalong
About the YMCA of the North
The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 163 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across 12 counties of the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 28 Y locations and program sites, eight overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcamn.org.