Senior Matters: Water aerobics

These senior citizens in Ocean Springs have taken the plunge, hitting the water and splashing their way to a healthier life.

You can catch them and even join them for water aerobics classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA in Ocean Springs.

84-year-old Karlyn Stephens has a solid attendance record. She’s been taking the class for 18 years and says these water exercises lift her spirits. “Oh, I absolutely feel it when I’ve missed a few days or a week. My joints just work better and I don’t have nearly the pain.”

A rippling effect according to Stephens and others in this class. Virginia Philio is a newer face in the crowd. She’s been coming to these water aerobics classes since April, right after she had knee surgery, and knows first-hand the importance of staying active later on in life. “It’s easier on the joints. It keeps things lubricated. It keeps us going at our age.”

Participants work every part of their bodies. They even use water bells for extra resistance.

With about 25 to 30 people in each class, water aerobics has a far reaching effect, giving these senior citizens time to interact with each other and the pure joy of being with each other is reflected in their faces.

Those classes are open to any member of the YMCA. If you don’t mind getting a little wet and want to stay fit, these classes would be a good fit for you.

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