Program Manager DeEtte Dalrymple Takes Senior Wellness Personally
With its joint-friendly floor and TechnoGym equipment, the 5,000-square-foot fitness center at St. James Place is always brimming with activity. Folks from all corners of our Life Plan Community flock here to hit the exercise machines, attend healthy living seminars or enjoy a relaxing massage.
At the center of it all is Wellness Program Manager DeEtte Dalrymple, who’s been a fountain of advice and encouragement since joining our team last year. We caught up with DeEtte and asked her to talk about her enthusiastic, personal approach to guiding residents toward optimal health and fitness.
Cultivating a Passion for Helping Seniors Stay Active
A lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, DeEtte brings more than 14 years of health and fitness expertise to her role at St. James Place. “Back when I was a CAT scan technician at Baton Rouge General, I realized that working out at the gym was my favorite part of each day,” she explains. “So in 2010, I decided to make a career out of coaching others toward their fitness goals.”
It was tending to her aging father, though, that sparked DeEtte’s passion for helping seniors live their best, most active lives. “As my dad grew older, it opened my eyes to the needs of seniors and inspired me to work with people in retirement communities.”
What DeEtte didn’t expect, however, was how much she could learn from her students. “I spent 13 years teaching a water aerobics class for women over 60, and the stories they told just blew me away,” she says. “These ladies actually lived through events that younger generations only read about. It makes my own life experience seem small by comparison.”
Variety Is Key for Senior Fitness Programs
From her very first day at our energetic retirement community, DeEtte wasted no time putting an abundance of fun, engaging senior fitness activities into place. One of her favorites is the water aerobics program, which takes place in our heated indoor pool and is a big hit among residents.
“We all gather in the pool, crank up some music and start moving to the beat,” she says. “Everyone has such a great time, they don’t realize they’re getting a pretty intense workout.” DeEtte adds that the extra buoyancy is great for people living with arthritis or mobility issues. Folks who have trouble walking can usually jog in place quite comfortably once they’re in the water.
Pop-up game days are also fan favorites at St. James Place senior living community. DeEtte likes to give people a choice between physical activities like cornhole and cerebral challenges like multiplayer board games. “I’ve also got big plans for future events like wellness workshops about subjects like meditation and massage therapy. Stay tuned!”
A Holistic Approach to Senior Wellness
When you hear the word “wellness,” you probably think of diet and exercise—and both are important for maintaining vitality as you age. DeEtte stresses, however, that wellness is also a dynamic, conscious development of your whole self.
“My team and I are always on hand to help folks make the most of their workout,” DeEtte says. “But we also integrate other dimensions of senior wellness by creating programs and classes that nurture the mind and spirit. All while building social connections proven to help seniors live a longer, more fulfilling life.”
One initiative that DeEtte is particularly proud of is using rhythmic movement to improve the cognitive function of residents in memory care. Listening to music and clapping to a beat has many neurological benefits,” DeEtte explains. “It’s so rewarding when the light comes on and these folks start singing or recalling a fond memory from their past.”
Healthy Aging Means Progress, Not Perfection
Perhaps the most common question that DeEtte hears from St. James Place residents is how to begin a fitness routine or modify their current routine as they age. You might be wondering that as well, so we asked DeEtte for some words of wisdom.
“My biggest healthy aging tip is to meet yourself where you are right now,” DeEtte stresses. “Many people get discouraged because they haven’t been active for a while or aren’t as active as they used to be. But it’s okay to be a beginner, to take it one step at a time. Focus on progress, not perfection.”
“Also, do something good for yourself today, even if it’s just taking a walk, practicing some deep breathing exercises or meeting your neighbors for game of ping pong. You’ll be surprised how integrating wellness activities into your day will boost your energy and your zest for life.”
Every Day Brings a New Story
So what does DeEtte love most about creating senior wellness programs at St. James Place? Connecting with the people who live here and the satisfaction that comes from knowing that she’s helping them live life to the fullest.
“When someone tells me they can walk further or get out of a chair more easily than they could two weeks ago, it makes my day,” she beams. “But that’s only one reason I find my job so fulfilling. I also love listening to stories about traveling, grandkids and all the other interests that folks have time to pursue since moving to this amazing senior living community.
“Sometimes I wish I was old enough to move here myself!”
Maintain Your Health and Fitness Throughout Your Next Chapter
Prioritizing every dimension of wellness contributes to enhanced vitality and a higher quality of life, particularly for seniors. And at St. James Place, you’ll find an entire staff of people like DeEtte who are dedicated to guiding you toward optimal health.
If an active and vibrant (not to mention chore-free) lifestyle sounds like something you’d like to learn more about, we’d love to give you a closer look at the premier senior living community in Baton Rouge. Call us at (225) 215-4510 to learn more or schedule a tour.