News

by guest author Anna Flanagan, East Butler County YMCA

Social support and physical activity on their own are phenomenal pieces to include in our lifestyle as we age. But when combined together, they form one of the ingredients for prolonged independence and fulfillment.

A 2025 study from the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with high levels of social engagement and connectedness had a 42% lower risk of mortality over four years, meaning, this combination really works. Linda and Wayne Holmes are living proof.  

As members of the East Butler County YMCA, Linda and Wayne are part of the Ya-Ya Clan. (Linda is also a Council on Aging board member, leaving the board this month after 10 years of service.) The Ya-Ya Clan is an informal group of YMCA members who look out for and support one another through life’s ups and downs.

Years ago, as both Linda and Wayne were recovering from surgeries, they found support and friendship through the YMCA’s Muscle and Joint Warm Water Pool exercise class.

“The warm water and guidance of our instructor helped us heal surrounded by our friends,” Linda remembers. There was a unique connection and chemistry with the group which led to strong friendships, and the Ya-Ya Clan was born. To this day, they celebrate birthdays together, laugh and cry with each other and make each other’s day brighter just by being together.

Social isolation is a preventable factor when it comes to aging, and finding your “Clan” may be what you need to truly thrive as you age. According to Linda, “as they say in the ‘Clan’, once a member, always a member”.

Aside from the YMCA classes Linda referenced above, the East Butler County YMCA (YMCA) offers a number of opportunities for older adults to get involved. For example, the YMCA partners with Bridgewater Falls, in Fairfield Township, to offer a free Walking Club each spring and fall catered to older adults. Also, several YMCA locations throughout Butler County offer a free exercise program for cancer survivors to connect with others and improve strength, stamina and balance during or after treatment.

YMCAs in Fairfield, Fairfield Township and Middletown also offer programs open to the community to aid those with Parkinson’s Disease or struggling with other neurological concerns in a group setting. For those with a competitive side, many YMCAs also offer the ever-popular Pickleball at various times of day for open play.

For additional information on any of the groups or programs listed above, please visit https://www.gmvymca.org/ or contact Anna Flanagan at [email protected]

About the author: Anna Flanagan is the Operations Director at the East Butler County YMCA, a part of the Great Miami Valley YMCA Association.

The Great Miami Valley YMCA serves individuals and families across Butler and Warren County through various programs including swim lessons, sports, childcare, insurance-based memberships, group fitness, chronic disease management and more.