Today marks the 27th annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day. Held the last Wednesday of May, the goal is to help keep older Americans healthy and fit. That’s also been one of bergenPAC’s goals for years as part of its nonprofit mission to make live performing arts and arts education more accessible to everyone in the community.
A partnership with AARP New Jersey has brought dozens of local older residents to the Performing Arts School at bergenPAC’s dance studio for a variety of free classes, like ZUMBA and yoga. This program not only keeps the participants physically active physically but also engaging socially with friends – old and new.
For those who just want to dance freely to the hits they grew up on, bergenPAC has another partnership with Age-Friendly Englewood, a local organization that coordinates public and private resources to help residents age in their home community. The group often sponsors bergenPAC’s doo wop shows, which feature classic acts like Kenny Vance & The Planotones, Larry Chance & The Earls, Chris Montez, The Dubs, The Fireflies, Lou Christie, Jimmy Gallagher & The Passions, The Capris and The Happenings.
bergenPAC also delivers on its mission and helps keep seniors from across the region actively engaged with the Arts Access Initiative. The theater partners with more than 80 community organizations serving residents who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend a live show and gives away up to 200 free tickets to every performance. Since starting the program, bergenPAC has given out more than 35,000 tickets.
Being able to impact so many members of the community is what truly makes bergenPAC the area’s cultural beacon, and it looks forward to providing programs for local seniors to enjoy for years to come.