What’s the secret to healthy longevity for those of us old enough to remember what we were doing when we heard The Beatles had broken up? For Paul Johanni, 83, the answer is one he never tires of sharing. The Westlake resident is a regular at the city’s Community Services Center, which opened in July 2021. You’ll find him there three to five days a week in the state-of-the-art Fitness Room, engaged in a 20-plus-minute regimen tailor-made for his age and fitness goals. Designed for patrons over 50 years of age, the space features eight pieces of Keiser functional strength equipment and four cardio machines. Unique pneumatic resistance technology allows muscles to remain active and engaged throughout the entire range of motion exercises while reducing shock loading to connective tissues and joints. One of the total body trainers is also wheelchair accessible.
“Working out there is not intimidating at all,” he says. “There’s always someone in the room who’ll answer your questions and make sure you’re using the equipment correctly. I appreciate the fact that the space is designed with people of my age in mind.”
Johanni also enjoys lunching at the center’s Connections Café, which features soups, sandwiches, wraps and quiche for dine-in or carry out. His favorite entree is the chicken soup, which he says is the best he’s ever tasted. All Westlake residents are welcome to visit the café (regardless of age). Café hours are Tuesday through Friday 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
“The Community Services Center also hosts lectures, movies and other special events,” the octogenarian adds. “There are so many activities that no matter what your interests are, they’ll be met there.” — LF
