Older adults in photo have been staying fit with “Fit-4-Life”, a unique program offered by the Somerville’s Council On Aging. Soon the COA will be offering an additional “Fit-4-Life” program for LBT older adults starting in January 2013.

Fit-4-Life is an award-winning nutrition and exercise program for seniors developed by the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. This program is currently being run at the Holland Street Center for everyone in the community.

Starting in January 2013, the Somerville Council on Aging will begin Fit-4-Life LBT for Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender women 55+ with hands-on exercise (1 hour, 2 x week) and nutritional (1 hour, weekly) programming. The goal will be to improve LBT older adults’ exercise and nutritional habits, reduce their burdens from chronic disease and help them maintain independence as they age. Diet and exercise plans will respect LBT values but also help to maintain optimal weight and strength. The program will create a comfortable and safe environment for discussing health issues, support LBT seniors in accessing the medical profession with confidence, and use alternative approaches such as yoga and meditation to address issues of mental wellbeing. At $10/month, with scholarships available on a sliding scale, Fit-4-Life LBT will be accessible, affordable and responsive to a Somerville population that currently has no health and fitness programming targeted toward them.

Classes will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Ralph & Jenny Center, 9 New Washington Street. Call Lisa at the Somerville Council on Aging at 617-625-6600 ext. 2316.