Catch the Healthy Wave to enjoy life

At 80 years old, Corona del Mar resident Ed Romeo can do squats and push-ups, dance a mean jitterbug and successfully preside over Friends of Oasis, the nonprofit group that raises funds and sponsors activities at the local senior center.

For the last 10 years, he and his wife have been taking a three-day-a-week physical training class at the Oasis Senior Center, and he credits the activity for his physical and mental stamina. And with the city of Newport Beach’s Catch the Healthy Wave kickoff event coming up on March 24 at Grant Howald Park, Romeo encourages all seniors to join in.

“Keeping yourself physically active, mentally alert and socially involved allows you to grow old graciously,” he said. “The Catch the Healthy Wave program is one way seniors can accomplish all these things.”

Hosted by the recreation and senior services department, the city’s new health and fitness program will open with a day of informative lectures, healthy snacks and exercise demonstrations to get community members of all ages motivated.

Also, the department will introduce an incentive program for people who enroll in eligible activities and classes — which include yoga, line dancing and tai chi — beginning next month.

“We need to encourage people as a city to get involved in taking care of their own health,” said senior services manager Celeste Jardine-Haug. “For seniors, exercise is especially crucial in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, stroke and type 2 diabetes.”

The Oasis Senior Center offers a dozen fitness classes, which are attended by a couple hundred seniors each day. With the Newport Coast Community Center set to open in September, the senior services division is looking to expand the class list with the addition of a nutrition and healthy cooking program.

Organizers hope next week’s kickoff will prompt more people to take advantage of the many healthy activities available in the area. The event will begin with a 1 1/2 -mile walk to the beach, and food vendors, nutritionists and other health experts will be available throughout the afternoon for consultations.

“Part of the reason events like these are so important is the opportunity for socialization it provides for seniors,” said Wes Morgan, director of the recreation and senior services department. “We know the value and joy of being among a good group of people and having fun.”

For more fun activities, join the Friends of Oasis for its Casino Night on March 31 at the Oasis Senior Center, 800 Marguerite Ave., Newport Beach.

The annual event features blackjack, roulette and craps tables as well as free appetizers and drinks, with $20 advance tickets now available. For more information, call (949) 718-1800 or go to www.friendsofoasis.org .

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Catch the Healthy Wave kickoff event

WHEN: 8 a.m. to noon, March 24

WHERE: The Newport Beach Community Youth Center in Grant Howald Park, on 5th Avenue between Iris and Marguerite avenues

COST: Free