Gerofit is a supervised exercise program for older Veterans that was developed at the VA Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, in 1986. As a part of Gerofit, Veterans are given a personal exercise program based on their physical profile and goals. Tai Chi, line dancing, balance, core coordination, and strengthening classes are conducted in group settings while other exercise modalities including treadmills, elliptical machines, stair climbers, bicycles and a variety of strengthening machines, round out the opportunities for a personalized exercise program. There are currently 40 to 50 Veterans enrolled in the program. Guidance in carrying out the exercise program is provided by trained exercise staff such as a nurse or physical therapist. Participants in the program have shown improvements in blood pressure, diabetes management, symptom management, well-being, quality of life, physical function, overall fitness, and longevity.
As a volunteer, you will be able to interact with geriatricians, patients, nurses, and other healthcare providers in a gym and hospital setting. You will first start out in the gym located in the hospital to learn how to help and encourage elderly Veterans exercise, then you will gain more clinical experience in a hospital room promoting individual exercises. The gym sessions are currrently being held virtually on Mondays and Thursdays, 10-11am and 11:30am-12:30pm. Please schedule your classes accordingly for volunteering at least once each week. |