In partnership with Vancrest Health Care Centers, the Van Wert County Council on Aging will begin in February with Rock Steady Boxing classes for those ages 60 and older with Parkinson’s disease. Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact boxing program designed specifically for those with Parkinson’s disease. It aims to improve the quality of life through exercises that enhance balance, strength, agility, and overall fitness. Head coach Kayla Leis, a Van Wert native and Huntington University occupational therapy doctoral student received her Rock Steady Trainer certification this past November and will lead the classes.
The classes will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 – 5:30 PM in the Vancrest Outpatient Therapy Center of Vancrest, located at 10357 Van Wert-Decatur Road (entrance #2). This will be an 8-week session; however, participants can join any time during the 8 weeks. There is no cost associated with participation in these classes and contributions toward the program will gladly be accepted.
The Rock Steady Boxing Program funding was provided through an Ohio Department of Aging Healthy Aging Grant that the Van Wert County Commissioners secured. Without the extensive work of Sue Gerker with the Commissioner’s Office and the willingness of Vancrest to support the COA’s work with seniors, the Rock Steady Boxing program would not have been possible.
Additionally, Leis is completing her doctoral capstone project with the COA. Her project is self-guided for the last semester of her occupational therapy degree, which will last 14 weeks. Her project will focus on program development and education, assisting with developing the Rock Steady Boxing program and coaching the classes. Within the project’s educational component, Leis will conduct workshops at the COA on topics to support safe aging in place.
Programming will entail discussions on how occupational therapy can support successful aging, especially for those who strive to live independently in their later years. Subjects discussed during the coaching classes will be home modifications, medication management, and adaptive equipment. Leis is passionate about occupational therapy and how it can serve the community. After the curriculum for the workshops is finalized, look for additional information in your local news sources that will provide the dates and times for the workshops.
Those interested in participating in the Rock Steady Boxing Program or with questions on eligibility are encouraged to call the COA at (419) 238-5011 and ask for Kayla Leis. The Van Wert County Council on Aging is a 501c3 charitable organization and a United Way-funded agency.
