By Megan Plete Postol
Twelve Central New York seniors have been selected as “pin ups” on an exclusive 2022 calendar that highlights events and activities around the region and serves as an inspiration of good health.
The 12 seniors serve as examples of how life after 60 can be a optimistic, vibrant and energetic time.
The 60 Strong program is part of a national initiative by Agilon Health and physicians at FamilyCare Medical Group to inspire seniors to make healthy decisions and stay active.
“The program is meant to serve as an inspiration for people who have issues now to face and even for young people,” said physician Mitchell Brodey of FamilyCare Medical. “If you keep yourself healthy when you’re younger it pays off when you’re older.”
The 2022 60 Strong seniors are Deborah Reinhardt-Youmans, Donna Dunn, George Kilpatrick, Jim King, Joseph Cambareri, Liz Malcolm Scheibel, Mary Jensen, Mary Lou Balcolm, Pat Floyd-Echols, Vicki Brackens, Elliott Bruton and Kevin Maier.
Jim King, who appears in the calendar for January, overcame devastating injuries after being run over by a snow groomer. He believes key to his recovery was setting goals, pursuing them with a positive attitude, and keeping a sense of humor.
“I learned a lot about the resilience of the human body,” King said. “A positive attitude and sense of humor makes all the difference in recovery. I think those two things plus setting goals made the difference for me.”
The winners were nominated by family members and friends. They will each appear in front of a local landmark and the calendar will also feature health tips for seniors and provide information about Medicare information sessions and open enrollment.
Kevin Maier appears on the September page of the calendar. Maier stays busy with hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, golfing, skiing, snowshoeing, weight training, and volunteering at several organizations. He is been a triathlete for thirty years. He is a regular volunteer at Paige’s Butterfly Run and also volunteers at the Cazenovia and Green Lakes triathlons. Kevin is an active CNY Triathlon Club board member and an event organizer with the Onondaga Ski Club.
“Walking is a very good example of how to start up an exercise program,” Maier said. “My advice would be to make changes that are sustainable.”
The calendars are available for purchase online at www.Syracuse60Strong.com. The cost is $15 for each calendar and all proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, CNY Chapter.