SEATTLE — Bengie Santos, 72, a former dancer and choreographer, has spent the past 14 years teaching exercise classes at the YMCA of Greater Seattle, inspiring older adults to stay active through music and movement. Santos’ classes attract participants in their 80s and 90s who gather several times a week to stretch, dance, and lift weights to an eclectic mix of tunes ranging from Doris Day singalongs to hip-hop and country line dances.

Many of Santos’ students say that having an instructor closer to their age enhances their experience. They feel that younger instructors, while skilled, don’t always connect with the physical and emotional realities faced by older adults. YMCA officials support this view, noting that older instructors often serve as relatable role models who can better engage seniors in maintaining an active lifestyle.

Sharon Ruff, 81, credits Santos’ energetic approach and diverse playlists for helping her develop a consistent exercise routine after years of avoiding regular physical activity. Her friend, 91-year-old Ann Kashiwa, who began attending Santos’ classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, has continued despite undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. Kashiwa highlights the social bonds formed in these classes as a vital resource during challenging times.

Santos emphasizes a reciprocal relationship with her students, stating that their perseverance motivates her as much as she hopes to inspire them. Experts underscore that both physical activity and social interaction are key factors in healthy aging. Daniel E. Lieberman, a Harvard evolutionary biologist, points out that individuals must identify personal barriers to exercise and find strategies to make movement enjoyable, including seeking support from instructors or peers.

Harry King, an 83-year-old personal trainer from Greenville, South Carolina, echoes these sentiments. Having transitioned from an inactive retirement to fitness professional after joining a Planet Fitness gym, King now works mostly with clients aged 50 and older. He stresses the importance of setting an example, remarking, “At my age, if I can exercise, why can’t other people too?”

The YMCA of Greater Seattle deliberately recruits older instructors for its senior programs, recognizing the broader mental and emotional benefits of peer-led activities. Program executive Kerry Ashby notes that age is not a hiring consideration, emphasizing that wellness for older adults extends beyond physical fitness.

Tom Kleinecke, 67, a YMCA member for 18 years, describes Santos as an instructor who inspires rather than simply leads. Participating in multiple classes weekly, he credits Santos with significant improvements in his fitness and endurance. He acknowledges that while keeping up with her is challenging, the group’s focus on the instructor helps alleviate concerns about coordination or timing.

In addition to larger group sessions, Santos conducts smaller classes at three senior living facilities, serving residents aged 80 to 102. She tailors the music to trigger memories, playing classics from artists like Judy Garland and Louis Armstrong to engage participants. Santos describes these gatherings as joyous occasions, where attendees "think they’re going to party" when they see her.

By combining movement, music, and social connection, Santos and other older instructors are demonstrating the vital role of peer leadership in encouraging sustained physical activity among aging populations.