Detroit’s Healthier Black Elders have found a new space in which to host the more than 1,000 guests expected this year.   Bert’s Warehouse Theater in the historic Eastern Market, boasts two spacious rooms that easily accommodate health screenings, education, exercise and dance sessions, and dining. 

“Bert’s is an excellent fit for our event,” said HBEC Director Olivia Washington, Ph.D.  “HBEC shows older adults how to eat well, exercise, get regular check-ups and stay involved in the community. The Eastern Market reinforces these habits by encouraging people to walk through the market, buy fresh foods, and meet friends.”

Enhancing Soulful Living by Remaining Healthier!

Free to all 55 and up
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
10 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Bert’s Warehouse Theater
2727 Russell Street, 48207
Free street parking and in lot across from theater


Call (313) 871-0735 for more information.

Co-hosted by Wayne State’s Institute of Gerontology and the University of Michigan, the 2008 program features brief remarks by Dr. Robert Chapman, Director of the Josephine Ford Cancer Center and Mr. Jay Butler, radio personality and WLQV Program Director. Produce from “Fresh Farmers” will be available at their adjacent shed. All guests are eligible for free health screenings for early detection of common problems like high blood pressure.  The Visiting Nurses Association of Southeastern Michigan will also distribute vouchers for a free shingles vaccine, and for a free home visit to determine the risk of falling.

 Other program highlights:

 Crowd-pleaser Ernie Clark (a former Detroit Lion) leads chair aerobics 
 Live jazz by the Charlie Gabriel Band with special guest Marcus Belgrave
 A hot lunch of soulful, healthy foods
 Hustle for Health & Happiness exercise and the Two Left Feet Dancers
 The glamorous Stubbs Girls close with popular tunes from recent decades

 Music has been key to this HBEC event since it started six years ago because of its benefits to older adult health. Music is so important that Congress enacted the Music Therapy for Older Americans Act in 1991 to promote its benefits.  An ongoing 2001 study, funded in part by the National Institute of Mental Health and AARP, found that older adults who participated in musical programs reported better health, fewer falls, increased social interaction, less need to increase medications, and improvements in feelings of depression and loneliness.

 Charlie Gabriel, 75, strongly agrees.  “We had music every day at my house,” he said, describing his 17 brothers and sisters who each learned to read music.  “It helped us survive.  We felt freedom in the spirit of the music.”  It has kept him healthy, too.  He easily completes a 50-minute gym workout three times a week. 

 “If we want to improve the health of our urban elders, we must embrace music,” added Dr. Washington, “because it reaches deeper than even the most eloquent words to touch the spirit.”