CCSU Students Give Back Through Exercise to St. Lucian’s Residence
By Robin Vinci at October 24, 2023 | 8:00 am | Print
Each semester Jason Melnyk, Central Connecticut State University assistant professor in physical education and human performance, brings his student to St. Lucian’s Residence for a course on aging to keep seniors active.
“Besides just learning about what happens to our body as we age, a big part of the course is to come here and practice and get hands on experience,” said Dr. Melnyk. “The students get to interact with the residents. They are very busy and very lively.”
This is the 6th year for the Physiological Aspects of the Aging course under Melnyk, but it has been happening for many years before him.
“Other people have done it before me. Basically once a week for 8 weeks each semester I bring a new class and we cover the gamut,” said Melnyk. “We talk, do aerobic exercises, balance exercises and resistance exercises. The biggest thing is the benefits to the students and the residents. The social aspect is probably more important to them than actually being active.”
About 18 to 32 CCSU students are in the class and take residents in groups of two to four.
“Anyone can exercise no matter how old you are. The average age here, I believe, is in the upper 80s so a lot of activities are seated,” said Melnyk. “Some have walkers and canes. Some people speak polish. One semester we had two students who speak polish. We have none this year.”
Melnyk said it is easy to talk about the aging process in a classroom, but it is different to go to the residence and actually see real people and do the exercises.
The Physicological Aspects of the Aging involves what happens to the heart and muscles.
Many students were nervous in the beginning, but after about four weeks look forward to the one hour class and arrive early to set up.
“Now I am very hands off,” said Melnyk. “I give them the program and they make changes for people’s needs. We are exposing our students to a potential career path.”
The groups use exercise bands with a protective cloth covering and balls as part of their activities.
“They like throwing the balls and sometimes we just put them on the floor and they kick it to each other,” said Melnyk. “Little things like that get them engaged.”
Student Steve Englund said he is seeing the benefits from the class on the residents.
“Moving only makes your body better and happier,” said Englund. “It’s a thrill to be able to come here and work with the residents and make them see the benefits of physical activity.”
“I think we learned a lot of practical skills. We learned stuff I can go home and show my grandparents and when my parents get older show them,” said CCUS Student Alessandra Dell’Agli. “We are helping them out here and what we do benefits them.”
St. Lucian residents said they are happy to have the students here for a variety of reasons.
“These people treat us like human beings,” said Ann Chorcempa. “These people are fantastic.”
“Everything is good and we love them,” said Katherine Perun. “Today my legs are so bad. I pushed myself and they are nice to me.”
“I like being with everybody and I know it is for my own well-being,” said Sister Michele.
“They come every week and the residents love it,” said Mother Jennifer. “It is just a way of giving back to the community.”
About 12 percent of population in the United States is 55 or older and that number is expected to double by 2030.
“We are always looking to help out and students are looking for internships,” said Melnyk. “CCSU is great on community participation. It is nice to be able to give back.”
