CONCORD, CA (Apr. 25, 2025) — It’s never too late to become active or to make friends. Paula, Afifa, Mimi, Sue, and Francine can attest to that. A few years ago, they began attending Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s exercise classes. They’ve not only seen improvements in their health and mobility, but they’ve also become fast friends. The women carpool to the classes in Concord, Antioch, and Pittsburg and regularly go out to lunch. In June, they will attend the organization’s Dining to Deliver Gala together.

The physical benefits of MOW Diablo Region’s exercise classes, like Walk with Ease, Bingocize®, and Young at Heart, and the social connections they’ve made have given them a renewed sense of purpose.

“After multiple heart surgeries, I was negative and depressed,” says Afifa. “My husband encouraged me to go to the classes. It was hard at first, but the instructor Matt was patient, and I got my strength and my hope back. I’m not ready to give up on life, and I credit Meals on Wheels Diablo Region. Now, I am the happiest person in class!”

MOW Diablo Region’s CalFresh Healthy Living Health and Wellness program’s goals are to help seniors improve mobility, strength, cognitive function, emotional well-being, community engagement, and independence, resulting in greater life satisfaction. The team offers a variety of programs in a welcoming and supportive environment for every senior, regardless of their fitness level.

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Stronger

For 84-year-old Sue C., the Health & Wellness classes were the key to bouncing back after knee surgery. “I could hardly take the stairs. I struggled with my balance and worried I might fall. Now I don’t have that problem anymore,” she says. Sue’s doctors are amazed by her improvement, telling her she seems closer to 70 than her mid-80s.

“These classes changed my life,” Sue says. “I’m stronger, more active, and happier than ever. Instead of staying home, I now have a full social life. I love the friends I’ve made. We’re a crazy group, but we really care for each other.”

Francine R. shares her friend’s sentiments. When she lost her husband five years ago, she began visiting the Concord Senior Center hoping to feel part of a community again. She found so much more.

“I started attending the Walk with Ease class to manage my weight, and I found it was nice to be around smiling people. I quickly made new friends who continue to inspire me every day. These women are so positive, and we just lift each other up,” Francine shares. “It’s incredible how much laughter and friendship can change your life. Laughing is a form of therapy, too.”

Francine appreciates that the exercise classes are cost-free and available to all who want to join, creating a welcoming and diverse community that she’s grateful to be a part of.

Personal improvements

Matt LoPinto, MOW Diablo Region Health & Wellness Sr. Specialist says it’s gratifying to see the improvements in the seniors who attend the classes. “I’ve known Afifa, Paula, Mimi, Sue, and Francine for two years. I’ve seen the personal improvements each has made in their physical health. Their balance has improved tenfold, and they’ve each added core muscle strength, bicep, triceps, as well as shoulder and back strength. What is even nicer is watching their friendship develop, going from strangers two years ago to becoming great friends.”

To learn more about MOW Diablo Region’s Health & Wellness classes and how you can become part of a group of smiling faces, motivated to challenge yourself while laughing with friends, visit our website at mowdiabloregion.org/exercise-class-schedule.