LAHAINA – For individuals 50 years of age and older, the Maui County Office on Aging sponsors the EnhanceFitness program.

Classes are held at the West Maui Senior Center (Kaunoa Lahaina) every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. For more information, contact Maui County Office on Aging Wellness Coordinator Lori Tsuhako at (808) 463-3166.

With its national recognition by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Council on Aging, this evidence-based program serves to help older adults become more active, energized and empowered for independent living.

EnhanceFitness is an original physical activity intervention tested on a group of older adults, and it has proven to be effective in community-based settings.

For an hour, three times a week, participants who are approved to participate by their doctors are exposed to a variety of exercises, such as balance, cardiovascular, flexibility and strengthening.

All exercises are safe, yet challenging, for participants and can be easily modified to fit one’s fitness abilities. Participants are also able to track their progress through fitness checks conducted at regular intervals.

Since the program was first offered on Maui, 642 individuals have participated. Of the 642, many were extremely satisfied with the program and gave it an average rating of 9.5 out of 10.

Not only do participants benefit by improved health, but they also are able to socialize with other participants through a fun and friendly environment.

National Council on Aging findings show that group participation and social interaction are important dimensions gained from EnhanceFitness.

Regular participants reach out to those whom they notice are not attending classes as frequently by calling them and encouraging them to return. Many class participants have developed friendships and coffee clubs as a result of EnhanceFitness.