Originally published: 2025-02-28T15:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.
Pacific Islands VA has several programs that aim to keep Veterans fit. One of those programs, GeroFit, is targeted specifically at older Veterans. At each stage of life, people have different fitness needs. The Gerofit program is tailored to the needs and goals of Veterans who are 65 and older.
Like recreation therapy, Veterans need to ask their primary care doctor for a referral to the Gerofit program. After that they will go through an evaluation. The program is not able to take Veterans if their blood pressure is too high or if they have other exclusionary criteria that would make it dangerous for them to participate. For Veterans who qualify, it’s a great way to stay active.
“As Veterans age, their goals often change,” said occupational therapist and Gerofit coordinator Michelle K. McDonald. “Younger people might worry more about how they look or losing weight, but as Veterans age, things like strength training are more important because they still want to work in their garden or stay in their home. In additional to the health benefits associated with staying active, they’re also getting psychological benefits from connecting with other Veterans and having a reason to get up and out of the house in the morning.”
In person and virtual classes
There are several different levels of fitness classes offered. Veterans can start out in an easy class and progress to something more challenging. In person classes are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Oahu Vet Center in Honolulu. Tuesday and Thursday classes are held virtually for Veterans that benefit more from working out at home.
“It’s very individualized because everyone is different. We try to tailor activities to the Veterans’ needs as much as possible to ensure that they get the most out of the classes. Some Veterans only do once a week if they have other things going on, and some come to more than one class a day,” said McDonald.
For Veterans who are planning on having surgery, it can be beneficial to do prehab. This is when the Veteran focuses on gaining strength before a procedure. Veterans who do this tend to have shorter stays in the hospital and they tend to recover faster.
After a surgery, they cannot come directly back to Gerofit. They need to do their physical therapy first, as prescribed by their doctor. Once their doctor feels that they are ready, they will be able to rejoin the program.
One Veteran is 102
McDonald serves Veterans who are in their 60s and 70s, but she also has some who are in their 80s and 90s. She even has one Veteran who is 102. While the age range is wide, the focus for most Veterans is the same: maintaining bone density and strength so that they can continue to do the things they love.
“It’s actually a really rewarding job. I am so grateful the Veterans make an effort to show up no matter what else they have going on because they are committed to their health. It makes it easy for me to feel committed to them and it’s fun to get to work with them and help them do things they didn’t think they could do,” she added.
Gerofit is a good regular workout program that focuses on essential exercises to assist Veterans in aging without losing function. For Veterans under the age of 65 and facilities that do not offer Gerofit, there may be physical activity options available through recreation therapy or in the community.
Veterans who wish to work on improving their health by managing their weight may seek information about the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans.
Some of the Veterans in the Gerofit program also compete in the National Veterans Golden Aged Games. One of them is very committed to paddling with recreation therapy, but also commits to show up for Gerofit. Since the programs focus on different skills, it makes sense if Veterans want to do Gerofit and also go biking or play pickleball.
They may even choose to do one of the virtual tai chi programs or other Whole Health offerings. Whatever way a Veteran is best able to stay active, we are working to support that desire and help them to achieve their goals.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.
