Aging Well: September winner shares her health journey with others

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Our Aging Well Award winner for September, sponsored by Freudenthal Home-Base Healthcare, is a woman who started her own fitness journey after retirement and now helps others achieve their health goals.

After Connie Hale retired from the Missouri Department of Transportation about twelve years ago, she said she needed to lose weight. After successfully doing so through a local gym, she decided to train to become an instructor. That has led to a dozen years of working with others through classes at local fitness centers in St. Joseph.

"Right now I'm at Genesis Health Club teaching aquatics, and I'm at Anytime Fitness teaching cardio and step aerobics," Hale said.

She said it has been rewarding to not only stay in shape herself, but also to see others succeeding at getting fit. Hale offers advice for all individuals, especially senior adults entering retirement, on staying fit.

"Keep moving," Hale said. "And stay engaged with other people. Your body's a temple, and you've got to take care of it."

To nominate someone 55 and older for our monthly Aging Well Award, go to www.newspressnow.com/agingwell.