Eighty-year-old Helen was dealing with painful leg cramps. So she joined Reach for the Stars, a wellness program for seniors that incorporates mild stretching, strength and resistance training, aerobics, yoga, Tai Chi and mental fitness.

Supported by United Way, Reach for the Stars is offered in a group setting at 11 locations in Chisago City through Parmly Senior Housing & Services. For those in need of transportation (to and from classes, for example), Parmly offers shuttle service within the Chisago Lakes Area for just $2 roundtrip.

Reach for the Stars is offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and like clockwork—Helen is there. She’s so passionate about the program, she even recruited one of her neighbors to be in the program.

"Helen’s a cheerleader and is so faithful [about attending]," said trained program instructor Debbie, (pictured with Helen), who likes to start class with a joke-of-the-day. Helen said the daily jokes are usually pretty bad, but the health tips Debbie shares are great. And, Helen finds the explanations for each exercise helpful. Participants discuss current events and also have the opportunity to ask health-related questions during class.

A year and a half after starting the program, Helen has lowered her cholesterol by 20 points, lowered her blood glucose, become stronger and made many new friends. Helen said of her experience, "It’s fun. If it wasn’t fun, I wouldn’t go."

United Way’s Agenda for Lasting Change focuses on 10 measurable goals in our three focus areas: Meeting Basic Needs, Supporting Health and Independence and Nurturing Children and Families. One goal is helping an additional 15,000 seniors and people with disabilities maximize their independence by 2010.

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