Nick Hoffman, the executive director of NYA Sports & Fitness Center, and Curt Symes, chairman of Commission on Aging, recently unveiled a series of programs for residents age 50 and over. The new initiative is supported by a large body of evidence that links planned exercise with good health and longevity.

All programs are being offered free of charge and being presented at NYA, 4 Primrose Street within the Fairfield Hills campus.

Cody Foss, the director of fitness and health at NYA, has extensive experience in health and wellness programming. Mr Foss and his team will be offering their expertise as part of the NYA Senior Appreciation Month, which will continue through the end of October.

In addition, NYA is working in cooperation with Connecticut Sports Management to promote participation in master level competitions in Connecticut.

Flu shot clinics October 5 and 7 opened the programming.

Senior Appreciation Month continued on Tuesday, October 13, when certified personal trainer Angie Taylor presented “Reduce Risk of Falls.”

The next program will be “Longevity For Your Brain and Body,” on Tuesday, October 20, at 10 am. John M. Popowich, DC, DABCN, FIAMA, CFMP, QME, will present that program.

On Thursday, October 22, Ben’s Lighthouse and The Avielle Foundation’s Spark Initiative will co-sponsor “Newtown Cyber-Seniors.”

From 3:15 to 5 pm, senior citizens will have the opportunity to work with young volunteers who will help with Internet and technology questions.

The following week, on Wednesday, October 28, at 11 am, Patrick T. Fisher, executive director of Connecticut Sports Management Group, Inc, will offer an informational seminar on the 2016 Connecticut Masters Games.

While all programs are free, registration is requested and can be done for all but the Cyber-Seniors Program by calling 203-426-0088.

For Cyber-Seniors, call Kelly Paredes at 203-426-9070, extension 15, or send an e-mail to kparades@benslighthouse.org.

In addition to the Senior Appreciation Month programming, NYA is offering a free two-week trial to its fitness center to residents ages 62 and older. The membership includes access to the full fitness center, with cardio and strength equipment; and NYA’s indoor walking track, among other perks.

These programs and Senior Appreciation Month are the beginning of an ongoing initiative to provide guidance and education in the areas of health, wellness, and exercise. The goal of NYA is to promote healthy habits that support the efforts of every individual to lead a long, happy, and productive life.