Sinclair’s Lifelong Learning changing lives

For every age and no matter the stage of life, healthy living and learning should never stop, according to Anne Holaday, coordinator for Lifelong Learning.
And to prove this point, Sinclair Community College has partnered with the Franciscan Center to offer health and wellness classes through the College for Lifelong Learning.
“It is all about socialization,” Holaday said. “It gives people a chance to be with other people and share things. Being with other people is a proven health benefit.”
Sinclair and the Franciscan Center began their partnership several years ago, Holaday said. Few classes were offered at first, but now more than 15 classes are offered at the Franciscan center.
The students, ages “60 and better,” are offered many health and wellness courses. From a variety of exercising and self-defense classes to no tu-tu ballet, zumba, belly dancing and self-defense classes with a cane.
“Sinclair has the largest Lifelong Learning program in the state of Ohio,” Holaday said. “We want to help people continue to learn, be the best asset to the community and help them lead a more fulfilling life.”
Denise Cozart, 73, a former teacher, is now enrolled in an Asian Arts class.
“That class has given me a lot of balance,” she said. “Because when I first came here if I walked around the corner too fast I sort of went off balance and now I don’t do that. I am less prone to falling and that is one of the biggest benefits of the class.”
The Asian Arts class focuses on self-defense, but Cozart said the main objective of the course is to get away from the attacker.
“With self-defense, you use the least amount of force to get away,” said Debra Stewart, director of the wellness program.
Cozart said the class has given her the confidence she needs to be prepared if she is attacked, and in a few months she will be testing for her brown belt.
It is important to know how to defend myself because it is good not to be a victim,” Cozart said.
When she is not learning self-defense moves, she is taking a core aquatics class. She credits this class for strengthening her core and improving her overall health.
And Cozart said she will continue to take the classes through Sinclair because she has seen an improvement in her memory, circulation and sleeping pattern. But she said the biggest benefit of the classes is being around her comrades who understand and encourage one another to push themselves and never give up, while maintaining a fun atmosphere.
“You can only stay home and watch TV for so long before you go crazy. We need to be out trying new things and having fun,” Holaday said.
For more information contact Holaday at 512-5184.