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With the new year upon us, those looking for some inspiration to start a new fitness routine may have found it in 101-year-old George Poleske.
Poleske, a World War II veteran, can’t see or hear well, and often depends on a wheelchair for mobility. Those obstacles alone, never mind the minor aches and pains of living in a century-old body, would be enough to make most people avoid the gym.
Not George Poleske.
He’s still reaching for goals at 101, which includes staying as physically fit as he can. Five days a week, Poleske participates in physical therapy sessions at the VA medical center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Motivated by his trainer, health technician Mary Kassens, Poleske chats and smiles as she puts him through a regimen to keep him healthy.
The pair have forged a unique friendship and will gab over just about anything. During a recent session, the World War II veteran beamed talking about his winning Bingo card, the Milwaukee Brewers, and a fantastic BLT with all the “fixings” he ate for lunch. Chatting aside, Kassens keeps the 101-year-old on track, pacing him through walking and balancing drills, along with upper body training.
‘I Always Perk Up’
“We’ll do the walking,” Poleske said, rising from his wheelchair, clutching the parallel bars and walking a short path. He got to the end, turned around, and shuffled his way back to Kassens.
“Watch out, Mary; I might run you over,” he joked.
Kassens is quick to provide a motivational boost.
“You’re looking good, George. You’re doing fine,” she said.
Poleske usually calls out the number of reps he’s hitting, working both his body and mind.
“We have fun together, don’t we?” Kassens asked.
“That’s right,” Poleske told the VA’s David Walter. “We’re fun and friendly. We can talk about anything. And she’s a good instructor. She takes good care of me.”
At his age, and with advanced health issues, Poleske might not trust another trainer with less experience. But he knows Kassens is safe, smart, and keeps him focused on improving his strength and stamina. The bond they’ve forged motivates him to keep coming back for more exercise.
“It’s something I look forward to. It keeps me motivated,” Poleske said. “I always perk up for it.”
Working to Keep Veterans Moving
Poleske lives in the Community Living Center (CLC) at the Milwaukee VA hospital. He’s part of the VA’s national STRIDE program that works with hospitalized patients to keep moving.
Nurses and trainers work with veterans to analyze their gait and balance, and make sure they take daily walks down hospital hallways for as long as they’re hospitalized.
STRIDE came to the Milwaukee VA in 2020, and the program has added upper and lower body exercise to its walking routine, including yoga, which has shown to improve flexibility and mindfulness.
Isabel Detienne, an occupational therapist, said keeping vets mobile and walking daily helps reduce length of stay in hospitals and helps prevent falls.
“Deconditioning is a big thing that happens in the hospital,” Detienne said, “so this is one way for us to prevent that and keep them pumping their muscles and keep their hearts healthy.”
While moving after surgery can be painful, Kassens said even small trips, 30 feet down the hall, can really help patients heal faster.
Poleske, who said he’s been active all his life, said training with Kassens has helped him get over back pain, along with leg and arm stiffness.
“I used to have back pain from sitting in this darn thing,” he said, referring to his wheelchair. “But with the exercise, I feel better. I feel like I accomplish something through exercise. I love it, and I’m going to stick with it as long as I can.”
Motivation for Other Patients
Kassens has worked with Poleske for two years. Working with him motivates her to come to work every day.
“I know he’s depending on me, and he’s a real joy,” she said. “He’s always keeping us on our toes. He’s always trying to challenge himself to be a little better every day.”
Poleske leads by example, pushing younger veterans to keep moving and showing that strength can be built at any age.
“Many other veterans look up to George,” Kassens said. “Oftentimes we hear them saying, ‘If he can do it, and look so good, so can we.’”
Poleske has a message for veterans who are hesitant to try physical therapy or daily exercise.
“Don’t give up. Just do the best you can,” he said. “And try to do better today than you did yesterday.”
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20 Comments
I’m curious to know more about the STRIDE program that George Poleske is a part of, which aims to keep hospitalized patients moving and has shown positive results in reducing length of stay.
The program’s addition of upper and lower body exercises, including yoga, is a great way to improve flexibility and mindfulness in veterans like Poleske.
It’s impressive that the STRIDE program has been able to incorporate yoga and other exercises to improve flexibility and mindfulness, as these can be particularly beneficial for older adults.
George Poleske’s experience with the STRIDE program suggests that social interaction and community engagement are essential components of a successful fitness program for older adults.
It’s heartening to see the VA’s commitment to supporting veterans like George Poleske through programs like STRIDE, which prioritize their physical and mental well-being.
The VA’s efforts to keep veterans moving and engaged, even in their advanced age, can have a significant impact on their overall quality of life.
The fact that George Poleske can still enjoy activities like playing Bingo and eating his favorite foods, like BLT, shows that he’s maintaining a good quality of life despite his challenges.
It’s concerning that George Poleske’s advanced age and health issues could limit his participation in physical therapy, but it’s clear that he’s determined to stay active and engaged.
Mary Kassens’ experience and expertise as a trainer are likely crucial in helping George Poleske trust her and feel safe during their sessions, which is essential for building a strong therapeutic relationship.
The story of George Poleske and his participation in the STRIDE program is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying active and engaged, regardless of age or ability.
It’s remarkable that 101-year-old George Poleske participates in physical therapy sessions five days a week at the VA medical center in Milwaukee, given his limited mobility and dependence on a wheelchair.
His dedication to staying physically fit is truly inspiring, especially considering he’s a World War II veteran.
I’m excited to learn more about the impact of the STRIDE program on reducing length of stay for hospitalized patients, as this could have significant implications for healthcare policies and practices.
The unique friendship between George Poleske and his trainer, Mary Kassens, is a key factor in his motivation to continue with his daily workouts, despite his age and health issues.
It’s impressive that George Poleske can still walk a short path with the help of parallel bars, and his joking with Mary Kassens about running her over shows his playful personality.
I’m curious to know more about how the STRIDE program is tailored to meet the individual needs of each veteran, as this could be an important factor in its success.
The bond between George Poleske and Mary Kassens is a great example of how a positive trainer-patient relationship can make a huge difference in a person’s motivation and adherence to a fitness program.
George Poleske’s story highlights the importance of accessibility and adaptability in fitness programs for older adults, especially those with disabilities or health issues.
The fact that George Poleske looks forward to his physical therapy sessions and feels motivated by them is a testament to the importance of social interaction and exercise in maintaining a positive outlook at any age.
I’m skeptical about whether the STRIDE program would be effective for all veterans, given the varying degrees of health issues and mobility limitations, but George Poleske’s experience is certainly encouraging.