MONROE — Craig Zablocki believes joy and purpose can come with aging.
A national motivational speaker, Zablocki will present at noon May 29 at the free National Senior Health & Fitness Day at Monroe Center for Healthy Aging, 15275 S. Dixie Highway. Registration is required.
“We’ll look at the qualities of kids and see how we still have those qualities,” said Zablocki, who is based in Denver.
Once a high school teacher, Zablocki said he performed in an improv show, and that experience eventually led to a public speaking career. Today, he addresses more than 50 groups a year, everyone from business leaders to law enforcement officers and farmers. He’s been called the “chiropractor for the soul.”

Zablocki said his talk at the Monroe Center will be real.
“It’s not scripted and not a PowerPoint deal,” he said. “We’ll laugh; we’ll connect. It’s engaging and also spontaneous. I’m really looking forward to coming out.”
Sandie Pierce, director of the Monroe Center, heard Zablocki speak and invited him to the center.
“Craig spoke at the Michigan Directors of Services to the Aging’s annual conference, and I thought his message about continuing to find joy throughout our life was important to share,” Pierce said. “He promises to re-invigorate our inherent enthusiasm and compassion. I’m excited about this opportunity.”
Pierce has brought other national speakers to National Senior Health & Fitness Day, including motivational speaker Petra Kolber; Ken Wasco, senior marketing manager with Gordon Food; and Jeff Nichols, runner-up in NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.”

National Senior Health & Fitness Day has been offered at the center twice annually — in May and October — since 2013, although no events were held in 2019-20.
“We had 90 people attend last year. I’m hoping to reach 140 this year,” Pierce said.
This year’s event also will include exercise demonstrations, health checks and a free lunch. New this year are information about mental health from Choices Counseling Solutions and cholesterol checks, offered through a grant from the Community Foundation of Monroe County.
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The schedule:
- 8:30-8:50: Demonstrations of Monroe Center for Healthy Aging’s classes, including Chair Yoga, Movin’ and Groovin’ and EnhanceFitness
- 9-11: Physical therapist Dr. Emliy Neal will demonstrate the center’s machines, especially the balance machine
- 9-9:45: Jo Lynn will lead Movin’ and Groovin’ class
- 9-11: Blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checks and height and weight measurements
- 10-11: EnhanceFitness class demonstration by the Monroe Family YMCA
- 11:30-noon: Free lunch
- Noon: Zablocki’s presentation
Seating is limited. Reservations are required. To register, call 241-0404.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.