DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) – Aging can be difficult.
“As we get older, our bodies change” said fitness instructor Jan Dorgan.
At the age of 87, Jan knows first hand how beneficial exercise can be.
If you start your day with that you have so much more energy through the day you feel like I’ve done something for me, it’s a good feeling.
For 24 years, Jan has been teaching exercise classes at CASI, the Center for Active Senior Incorporated in Davenport.
“It keeps me active, hopefully keeps my mind going.”
The class has two objectives
“We just want people happy and healthy. We want to get the word out you need to come to CASI, there’s something for you here.”
The physical benefits are remarkable but’s it’s the fellowship that keeps so many coming back to Jan’s class.
“I made some new friends here and I love Jan” said Linda Roseman.
“She makes it fun” Roseman said.
“The social aspect is so important at this age” said Dorgan.
The camaraderie helped Dorgan when her husband of fifty years passed away in 2009
“I had a reason to get up in the morning. Of course people had experienced what I was going through so I always had somebody to talk to.”
It’s a bond shared by so many who take the class.
“So I’m not sitting at home sulking, I’m not sitting at home poor me” said Roseman.
Like Jan, Roseman is a widow. Her husband passed away one year ago.
“There’s so much more than exercise that’s here, there’s even a grief support group that I go to now” said Roseman.
If there is strength in numbers, the seniors at Jan’s class are stronger than they’ve ever been.
“Everybody helps everybody” said Dorgan.
“I consider all these people my friends” she said.
After nearly a quarter of a century of teaching, Jan hopes many more years of class are still to come.
“It’s been a blessing” said Dorgan.
“As long as they’ll keep me” she said.
You can learn more about CASI here.
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