By Nolan Madden Nearly six years ago, First Lady Michelle Obama introduced Let’s Move!, the national community-oriented fitness campaign aimed at addressing the factors that impact juvenile health by providing communities with simple tools to help kids be more active and get healthy. This past fall, the City of Holbrook undertook a similar endeavor, creating an all-new Recreation Department with the goal of getting residents to be more physically active. Louie Baldonado Jr., a long-time fitness instructor who recently transitioned to his role as Holbrook’s recreation director, says that, right away, he was tasked to work on programs for the city’s youth. However, he noticed two other segments of the community he felt needed more immediate attention. “My response was that I think we have a ton of programs for the youth. I wanted to do something more for a mostly neglected part of our community, and that is our seniors,” he said. “There are hardly any programs for them, and so I discussed with the city manager that I felt that something geared for that part of our community was probably badly needed.” The result is the Golden Agers and Pets program, designed to provide Holbrook senior citizens and the city’s shelter animals the opportunity to create bonds of friendship and a mutual sense of companionship. Baldonado says he laid out the program by speaking with Animal Care and Control Officer Merrill Young, inquiring whether any shelter animals are available that could be used for visits to the city’s senior citizens center and extended care facilities, and if it would be possible to let the residents pet, groom, walk and socialize with them. “When I went to visit, the residents at the extended care facility looked a bit bored and unoccupied; they weren’t even watching the television. So I got input from the two managers, and they felt it was a great idea,” said Baldonado. “In fact, we’re in the beginning phases of coordinating the visitation schedule with the animal shelter, but the program will probably go into effect beginning this week.” Baldonado also noted that later plans will be set for Holbrook Senior Center residents to be bussed to the Animal Care Shelter to interact with and walk the animals at the location, possibly up to twice per week. Baldonado and Young say that care will be taken to evaluate which animals are best suited for the program, with the optional goal of adoption of the animals by their senior companions. “The idea here was that I hated to see any shelter animals put down, and I really wanted to benefit not only the animal, but also the people within our community,” said Baldonado. “So I also spoke with the city manager about offering these pets for adoption to people who are 60 years of age or older for free, with the costs being covered by the city. “They wouldn’t have to pay the adoption, spay or neuter fees, and we would give these persons the chance to have some companionship,” he explained. “So many seniors have lost their loved ones, or they don’t have any children or family members. A lot of them don’t even get out of the house, and may even need help taking care of a pet. But there are still some in that age group who are still fit, and can take a dog out for a walk, or can take care of a cat.” He continued, “Everyday movements can become more difficult when we’re stagnant and sedentary. You have to stay active, and with the animals, you don’t even realize you’re doing it, getting the muscles moving. “Sometimes people over 60 or 65 years of age begin to feel that they aren’t a vital part of the community anymore. We want to see them still thriving here. Having a dog, and programs like this, can make us more social, and not only help them to get out for some fresh air, but also increase their fitness.” Baldonado also referenced the emotional support the animals can share with the seniors. “The love they give is unconditional. If you offend your brother or a relative, he may not call you for a couple of weeks. But a dog or a cat is always going to be there for you, no matter what you tell them,” he note. “I’ve been involved with the youth for most of my life, but now it’s time to give the seniors some of my time. And this is right down my alley, to try to keep people active who need to be fit. When you get older, it’s a must; otherwise you’ll fall apart pretty quickly. I don’t want to see that happen.” Baldonado says his goal is to present additional sponsored recreational and social ideas to the city for seniors, such as senior movie nights and field trips to scenic area attractions, such as Petrified Forest National Park.