GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — While it can be a struggle, most people can agree: eating healthy and staying active is key to a long and vibrant life.
If you question that statement, let Del Crowe be an example.
At 97 years old, Crowe credits his good health to the water aerobics.
Three times a week, he wakes up and heads over to water aerobics class at Clark Retirement Center. Crowe never misses a class.
"I like to do it, that’s the number one thing," said Crowe. "I can do it without any great exertion on my legs or any other part of my body. So it’s good for me to do that."
Crowe says he also returns to "check on the ladies," but also because of the community atmosphere.
"I definitely think that he’s an inspiration for other residents who see him coming into the pool every day," said Kensey Maurer, wellness specialist at Clark Retirement. "It shows he’s very dedicated and passionate about coming to swimming."
Maurer says there are several fitness classes for residents to take. However for Crowe, water aerobics has been going just swimmingly.
"In Del’s case, he was complaining about arthritis in his knees, so we try to do a lot of walking, we try to do a lot of leg strengthening exercise to alleviate some of that pressure off of his knees," said Maurer. "So it’s nice to be able to cater to each of the individual resident’s needs during class time."
So, whether you are 97 or 27, or anywhere in between, let Crowe be your dose of inspiration to get up and get moving.
