Wellness Success Stories

Joe Roscoe

Success Stories

John Roscoe is a man on the go and is a glowing testimony to the benefits of exercise and community involvement for older adults.

A retired research chemist who has lived in Cheshire for almost 50 years, John was a charter member of the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce. Amazingly he still plays trombone in the Cheshire Community Band and the Cheshire Symphony Orchestra despite having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

John credits his long-time exercise program for his vitality, a program which was reinforced by his moving to Elim Park Place four years ago. "I hurt my back about 30 years ago, so I've always done a lot of stretching, exercising and walking over the years," explained John. "The exercise program here at Elim Park keeps me in my routine. Three times a week I do stretching and strengthening classes and that has helped me keep moving and active."

John used to do "aquaerobics" and back-strengthening exercises at a pool in Wallingford. He claims it is the best exercise for older people. "Walking in water is the best thing for my back, and it's great for arthritis. A wellness center with a warm water program right here in Cheshire would be a real boon to seniors in the community."

The truest measure of the benefits in John's exercise program at Elim Park may be that he still rehearses twice a week and plays with the community band despite having lung disease. "My doctor recently told me that I am now moving air in and out of my lungs like a man 30 years younger," stated John.

And that is sweet music to everyone's ears.