SMETHPORT — The Smethport Senior Center marked National Senior Health and Fitness Day Wednesday with a variety of activities that promote fitness and help older Americans remain independent and prevent many health problems that surface in the Golden Years.

The goals of this event, always held on the last Wednesday in May, were to promote the importance of regular physical activity and to showcase what local organizations are doing to improve the health and fitness of older adults in their community.

Local organizations throughout the country hosted senior-related health and fitness events at retirement communities, health clubs, senior centers, park districts, hospitals, YMCAs, churches, banks and other community locations. The local health and fitness activities varied widely based on the host organization and the interests of local seniors. Activities were non-competitive and could include walking, low-impact exercises, health screenings and health information workshops.

At the Smethport Senior Center, the day’s scheduled activities included sessions of Healthy Steps in Motion weights and stretching, emergency preparedness presented by Gloria Wilson, Walkworks Trail Walk, low vision program with Terri Rexford, line dancing demonstrations with the Toe/Heel Twisters and ongoing bean bag toss and rope ladder throw games.

Ami Shavalier, president of the Elderberries, was group leader in the Healthy Steps in Motion exercise.

National Senior Health and Fitness Day, a public/private good health partnership organized by the Mature Market Resource Center, is the nation’s largest annual health and wellness event for older adults.