LOS ANGELES, CA – An estimated six million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s Disease and there is currently no cure. However, there are preventative measures a person can incorporate into their lives that includes showing off some dance moves.
- 6 million people have Alzheimer’s in U.S.
- Fullerton Flashers keeping seniors moving
- Youngest dancer is 50 and oldest is 80
John Van Wey recently turned 60-years-old and has been retired for five years. He never thought he would be front and center in a flash mob, but he was having trouble adjusting to a more relaxed life.
Van Wey worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for three decades and is used to walking several miles a day.
“I knew that from the day I retired. You’ve got to continue to keep your body active,” said Van Wey.
Wey joined the Homeowner Association Board in his neighborhood, got a gym membership, but that just wasn’t enough for him. Turns out, Van Wey has another reason why he wants to stay active. His father and three aunts were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
So Van Wey joined the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at California State University, Fullerton. The program for semi-retired and retired folks who want to stay healthy, active and social. There, Van Wey joined a flash mob called the Fullerton Flashers where the youngest dancer is her 50s and the oldest is in the 80s.
“Never even thought about that and even when the flash mob first started, I wasn’t in it originally, but I joined during the second season that they did it and ever since that it’s become my favorite class. I just going out and dancing for people and enjoying the audience reaction as well as enjoying it and having some fun,” said Van Wey.
The Fullerton Flashers create their own routines, meet up for practice and perform in the community. On Wednesday, they performed at Sunrise Villa Bradford, a senior living facility, where many of the residents have dementia. One of Van Wey’s aunts used to lived there.
“It brings back a lot of memories. I used to go see my aunt almost every day for about an hour or so,” said Van Wey.
Moments like this one makes retirement rewarding for Van Wey. He says even though the residents there won’t remember him or any of his friends, he says making a person’s life a little bit better even if it’s for 10 minutes is always a good thing.