SeniorsHealthCounty Executive Robert P. Astorino encourages seniors to get out and enjoy a wide range of free activities that will take place across 17 municipalities in honor of National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 27.

"Fitness is essential for seniors who want to be as healthy as possible and remain active in their communities," Astorino said. "I encourage seniors to get out and try something new, whether it's aerobics, tap dancing, or even tai chi. There are many worthwhile programs to choose from."

The programs are free and open to county residents who are 60 years of age or older, but programs in some communities require seniors to register or be residents to take part. A program specifically for Spanish-speaking seniors will be held on May 27 at the Mount Vernon Senior Center in the Armory.

National Senior Health and Fitness Day takes place in May in honor of Older Americans Month. It is presented nationwide as a public/private partnership by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national information clearinghouse for older adults.

In Westchester, the programs are organized by the county's Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) and its Health and Wellness Collaborative, which is composed of 20 community organizations.

"Exercise helps to keep you fit, and when you're fit you can remain independent longer," said Mae Carpenter, DSPS Commissioner. "Being in shape is also important because it can help to prevent falls."

Below is a list of sessions that will be taking place. Interested seniors should call each location directly for details and registration. 

2015 National Senior Health & Fitness Day Locations by Municipality:

Dobbs Ferry Embassy Club: (914) 693-7792
Morning exercise and nutrition presentation by DSPS registered dietitian nutritionist Kathy Santoro.
Eastchester Senior Center at Tuckahoe Community Center: (914) 337-0390
Tap dancing, aerobics, weights and bands.

Greenburgh Theodore Young Community Center: (914) 989-3600
Nutrition Bingo, exercise and nutrition presentation by DSPS registered dietitian nutritionist Kathy Santoro.

Mamaroneck Senior Center: (914) 834-8840
Line dancing, "Stay Strong and Fit" exercise class, bocce games, healthy lunch and snacks.

Mount Kisco Senior Nutrition Program: (914) 666-8931
Tai chi, blood pressure screening and blood sugar screening.

Mount Pleasant Community Center: (914) 592-6441
Line dancing, Nutrition and Fall Prevention with DSPS registered dietitian nutritionist Antonella Caggiano, Falls & Burns Prevention by Westchester Medical Center's Trauma and Injury Prevention Unit, healthy lunch and prizes.

Mount Vernon Armory Senior Center: (914) 665-2315
Tai chi class, Chi Kung, Nutrition Presentation with DSPS registered dietitian nutritionist Patty Szeliga, healthy lunch and prizes. Program in Spanish on health and fitness will be provided by the DSPS Coalition on Hispanic Aging. The event will also include dancing in the afternoon.

New Castle Parks & Recreation: (914) 238-8888
Audiology and Aging Talk, Nutrition Presentation by DSPS registered dietitian nutritionist Therese George, open tennis and Qi-Gong.

New Rochelle Hugh A. Doyle Senor Center: (914) 235-2363
"Stay Strong & Fit" fall prevention exercise class, healthy lunch, Stretch, Breathe & Meditate class, H.A.D. Spa Afternoon (natural facials).

Ossining Senior Center: (914) 762-1350
Brain fitness, water aerobics, low-impact aerobics, healthy lunch, healthy snacks and nutrition Bingo.

Peekskill Senior Center: (914) 734-4250 – NOTE: On Thursday, May 28
Zumba Gold exercise class, DSPS registered dietitian nutritionist Theresa George.

Port Chester Senior Center: (914) 939-4975
Cooking demo with Chef Esmerito, courses on lifelong health – "Achieving Optimum Well-being at Any Age," Whole Foods for Optimum Health and Good Fats.

Rye YMCA: (914) 967-6363
"Jump Start Your Health" presentation, fitness classes, chair exercises, tai chi, and intro to stress management class.

Somers Nutrition Program: (914) 232-0807 – NOTE: On Tuesday May 26th
Wii Sports, "Name that Food" Nutrition Presentation given by DSPS registered dietitian nutritionist Theresa George, "Stretch on the Deck" and light gardening.

White Plains – Burke Rehabilitation Hospital: (914) 422-1255
Day-long program of several health talks on aging well, mediation, "70 is the New 50," heart health and nutrition, along with chair yoga, tai chi, Qigong and stretch and walk classes. To register and/or make transportation reservations, White Plains seniors should call (914) 422-1255.

White Plains – Family YMCA: (914) 949-8030
Silver Sneakers Exercise Class, Zumba Gold, YMCA membership not required in recognition of NSHFD (pertains to group classes only, class size is limited).

White Plains – YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester: (914) 949-6227, ext. 208
Step and Stretch Class, Aqua Zumba for Seniors, Deep Water Running and Lap Swimming. Group classes and fitness center open to seniors 60+, class size limited, call to confirm.

Yonkers Office for the Aging: (914) 377-6826
Low-impact chair exercise at Chema, chair yoga at North Yonkers Preservation and Yonkers on the Move Talk and Walk at Bronx River Road/Scotti Community Center.

Yorktown Senior Nutrition Center: (914) 962-7447
Senior movement, healthy lunch, and prizes.