Fernandina Woman Promotes Healthier, Happier Lives for All Ages
Starling uses her background to develop fitness programs for seniors
01-04-2010
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Amelia Island, Fla., January 04, 2010 - Fernandina Beach, Fla. resident, Lynne Starling, has made a career out of helping people live healthier, happier lives. But the former group fitness instructor thanks divine intervention and a healthy dose of patience for bringing her to Osprey Village, a luxury retirement community in Amelia Island, Fla.
After 25 years as a fitness instructor, personal trainer and health educator, Starling welcomed the opportunity to do something many in her position would avoid - take a ground-floor opportunity and build a program from scratch.
Although she had worked with seniors in the past, the mother of three was not used to developing fitness programs specifically for older adults. But after finding an ad for a wellness coordinator on her first and only visit to CareerBuilder.com, Starling felt compelled to apply for the job. Several interviews later, Starling looked forward to the challenge of using her background to develop a fitness program for Osprey Village residents with anticipation.
"I have always enjoyed working with seniors over the years, but I learned a couple of lessons early on," Starling said. "It requires patience and an open mind."
Many of Starling's favorite hobbies such as spinning and Pilates are not conducive for people with mobility issues or limited flexibility, so she had to custom design a program that would challenge her residents without pushing them beyond their comfort zone.
Osprey Village, a luxury retirement community, is hosting a two-day, public Showcase of Homes to display the new upscale additions. The all-inclusive retirement community is designed to help its members live longer, happier and more independent lives and Executive Director Matt Younger is confident the renovations will resonate with future members.
Thanks to hard work and the support of Osprey Village team members, Starling is now the head of a successful wellness program that improves quality of life and overall health for residents under her care.
Starling's single-minded determination and sunny disposition stems from her relationship with her mother.
"I am most inspired by my own mother," Starling insists. "She has always supported me, encouraged me and reminded me to always take the high road. Even now, as she is plagued with various health issues, she remains rock-solid strong and continues to smile."
Starling uses her mother's combination of strength and grace to better the lives of those she teaches, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a healthy sense of purpose to an entire generation of Amelia Island residents.
