LIHU‘E — They have fun, they laugh, they share, they learn and most of all, they have a beautiful friendship. They are Rose Ceballos’ ageless beauties. The Kupuna Wellness Ageless Beauty Fitness Program was started in 2003 by Ceballos, a
LIHU‘E — They have fun, they laugh, they share, they learn and most of all, they have a beautiful friendship. They are Rose Ceballos’ ageless beauties.
The Kupuna Wellness Ageless Beauty Fitness Program was started in 2003 by Ceballos, a retired fitness trainer who, with her husband’s help, decided to move forward with her dream of helping the kupuna.
“I believe age is truly only a number,” Warken Ceballos said. “You can live wise with the unchangeable number you’ve got. Every day, you get to choose the ingredients in your recipe for the best, most enjoyable life possible.”
The free program is offered to seniors age 60 years and older, at three island locations three days a week. The majority of Ceballos’ “Ageless Beauty” members are in their 70s and 80s, with seven in their 90s and one who is 100 years old.
Recently, Ceballos’ seniors got together for an event at Po‘ipu Beach Park, showcasing their talents with Hawaiian music, taiko drumming, hula and line dancing. There was also a hat contest and everyone feasted on an vegan potluck buffet.
She said that entering the senior years may involve changes in lifestyle, choices and accompanying emotions. People at this time of life are at a crossroads that can lead to senior years filled with enjoyment and satisfaction or sadness and isolation.
Those who focus on the negative aspects of growing older, such as having aches and pains, can become sour, according to Ceballos. On the other hand, those who focus on enjoying what they can do — such as starting an exercise program specially formulated to their needs — then life seems better.
The way seniors think about their age, life, health and the daily choices they make — gives them the ability to create a recipe to “cook up” precious senior years, she said.
“My darling seniors, proof that age is defined by the life you choose to live,” Ceballos said.
While the specific ingredients of aging well later in life are different for everyone, the basic recipe involves reinventing yourself: learning to adapt to all type of changes and losses, staying physically active, connecting with people, staying mentally engaged, laughing and enjoying your life — that is the true beauty of aging.
“Every day you get to choose the ingredients in your recipe for the best, most enjoyable life possible,” Ceballos said.
Her extensive career includes a background in personal fitness trainer, fitness group instructor, fitness and activity director, and a whole-food-, raw-plant-based nutritionist.
Ceballos said what she gives to her “Ageless Beauty” aunties and uncles can never equal to the amount of aloha, loyalty and mentoring they have shared with her.
“They are a part of my beauty upon waking up and resting in the evening,” she said. “They are in my prayers each evening.”
Ageless Beauty schedule
• Hanapepe Neighborhood Center, Monday, 8 – 9:30 a.m.: Total body conditioning, chair and standing, cardio and strength
• Koloa Neighborhood Center, Monday, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Chairaerobic
• Kalaheo Neighborhood Center, Wednesday, 8 – 9:15 a.m.: Body and mind clarity
• Kalaheo Neighborhood Center, Friday, 8 – 9:30 a.m.: Total body conditioning, chair and standing, cardio and strength
Doctor’s approval is needed before beginning a new exercise program.
The classes are free and for seniors 60 years old and older.
Contact Ceballos at kupunawellness@aol.com or call 652-8985. Visit www.passionateliving.faithweb.com for more information.
