The CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center (AHWC) is proud to host one of the locations for Gerofit, a national VA exercise and health promotion program dedicated to Veterans aged 65 and older. Established in 1986 at the Durham VA by Miriam Morey, PhD, Gerofit has since expanded to 33 VA Health Care Systems nationwide, including the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System.
The program’s mission is to enhance physical health, maintain functional independence, and promote overall well-being through supervised exercise. Beyond physical fitness, Gerofit provides Veterans with an invaluable sense of community, social connection, and improvements in mental health.
Partnership with AHWC
Gerofit was introduced to the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in 2018 and has grown significantly in recent years. Following multiple relocations, the program required a facility that could meet both space and equipment needs while remaining accessible to Veterans receiving care at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center. With longstanding relationships between the VA and AHWC, the partnership emerged as an ideal solution.
“The access to both space and equipment at AHWC is unmatched,” shared Sarah Wherry, PhD, VA Denver Gerofit Director of Exercise Program Quality and Delivery. “We have everything we need to be able to personalize and modify exercises for each Veteran.”
Dan Bessesen, MD, Director of the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, emphasized how meaningful the partnership is to AHWC as a whole. “We truly appreciate the opportunity to honor the service of our Veterans by hosting them at our Center,” he said. Beyond the facilities, he added, “Our staff and members love having the Gerofit participants here working out. They lift all of us up.”
Program Structure
Each Veteran begins with a comprehensive intake assessment to evaluate walking speed, balance, muscle strength, and personal health goals. Based on these findings, Gerofit exercise physiologists design individualized exercise prescriptions that incorporate aerobic activity, strength training, and balance exercises. Assessments are repeated at regular intervals to monitor progress and update programming.
The in-person program, hosted at AHWC, is available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m., allowing Veterans to attend at their convenience. On average, participants exercise for approximately one hour under the guidance of trained staff.
For Veterans unable to attend in person, Gerofit offers a robust telehealth option featuring group classes that include aerobic, strength, and specialty formats such as Tai Chi and cardio kickboxing. Participants receive mailed resistance bands and, when possible, customized prescriptions for use at home or in fitness centers.
Expertise and Leadership
Gerofit’s success is driven by a dedicated, multidisciplinary team:
- Toby Wellington, MS, Senior Exercise Physiologist and ACSM-certified clinical exercise physiologist, leads both in-person and telehealth classes and has been with the program since its inception in 2018.
- Adam Orynczak, MS, a certified strength and conditioning coach, supports programming and develops exercise prescriptions.
- Sarah Wherry, PhD, Director of Exercise Program Quality and Delivery, oversees program quality and safety in alignment with national Gerofit standards.
- Lauren Abbate, MD, PhD, emergency physician and local Gerofit Director, manages safety criteria, staffing, and research partnerships, and played a pivotal role in relocating the program to AHWC.
- Courtney McGuire, LCSW, conducts intake screenings, ensures appropriate program placement, and connects Veterans on the waitlist with additional resources.
A Unique Experience for Veterans
What distinguishes Gerofit is the Veteran-only environment, which fosters camaraderie and shared understanding among participants. This sense of community, combined with personalized programming delivered in a group setting, offers a balance rarely found in traditional exercise programs for older adults.
“Our Gerofit members have commented on how much they enjoy being part of a community that understands their experiences as former service members,” noted Wherry. For many participants, this is especially impactful, as both Veterans and older adults face a heightened risk of social isolation. Gerofit helps bridge that gap by offering not only individualized exercise but also the camaraderie and connection that come from being part of a shared community. Many original members from 2018 still participate today, building strong relationships with staff and peers and trusting the program to help them progress toward their goals.
Growth and Future Goals
Currently, the AHWC-based program serves approximately 75 Veterans in person, with additional participants engaged via telehealth. While the program is at capacity, a waitlist is maintained, and referrals are continuously accepted through VA clinical providers.
Looking ahead, Gerofit aims to expand further within the community, ensuring that even more Veterans can access the same life-changing support and sense of belonging the program has provided since its start. “Gerofit means a lot to both our members and our team, so we are fully invested in keeping this program operating and serving our Veterans for as long as possible,” says Wherry.
To learn more about how Gerofit is helping Veterans stay active, healthy, and connected, or to explore participation options, visit their website here.
