Ruth Parnell keeps going so that she can keep going.

And at age 88, she has no plans of slowing down.

Bob Andres/bandres@ajc.com (ENLARGE)

Ruth Parnell, 88, leads an exercise class three times a week for 10 to 15 residents of her senior living community in Dallas.

RUTH PARNELL Reason nominated: Chair exercise classes for senior citizens Who benefits: Senior living community residents Lesson that can be learned: Keep it simple and moving. More Golden Carrots Fulton schools embracing healthy eating program  Constangy, Brooks & Smith helps staff balance work and home life  Lovett School wellness program keeps staff fit  Reinhardt College helps students and staff get fit  Staff at Children's Health Care at Mt. Zion in Morrow join forces for better health  TOPIC Atlanta corporate fitness Back to Health news

"Some days my shirttail doesn't stop flapping all day long," said Parnell, who enjoys reading, solving word puzzles and walking, among numerous other activities. "I wouldn't last a week if I just sat. I've never done that, and I never will."

Parnell takes a seat when she conducts chair fitness classes for fellow residents at the Legacy, a senior living community in Dallas. The 30-minute sessions are held three days a week for 10 to 15 participants in their 80s and 90s, some in wheelchairs and others using walkers.

The simple movements, including some twisting and stretching, are designed to improve mobility and not promote weight loss. (Friday sessions are followed by coffee and doughnuts.)

And good form is not required.

One participant, for instance, just waves his arms around and kicks his legs, Parnell said.

"He does it his way and not mine, but that's all right with me as long as he's moving," she said.

Parnell began the classes three years ago when she moved into the community, and many of the residents have benefited from them, activities director Ila Awtrey said.

"She's very creative in getting the residents involved," said Awtrey, who also takes a group walking at the Silver Comet Trail twice a week. "She does just enough to get them limbered up and going for the day."

About six years ago, Parnell fell and broke her pelvic bone and was hospitalized for 10 days before attending rehabilitation to learn to walk again. Still, injury could not keep her down.

"I can still move everything and bend, and I think that's what's kept me mobile," said Parnell, a great-grandmother of six who will turn 89 in November. "I don't look like a movie star but, compared to some others, I look pretty good."

WHO DESERVES A CARROT?

Fortune 500 companies are not the only ones bringing people together to promote health and fitness. Neighborhood groups, offices, schools and churches also are finding ways to get people moving and to encourage a healthier lifestyle. In this regular feature, Better Health recognizes those organized efforts, large and small, that might inspire other groups to initiate their own programs. And we want to hear about them. Submit your Golden Carrot nominations to Vikki Conwell, vconwell@ajc.com.