Debra Sue Sims Fleisher has had a passion for exercising ever since she was a child. “My mother says that, as a little girl, I would dance to the sound of the washing machine. And I do remember dancing with a doorknob as my partner,” she recalls.

Her dedication to fitness continued as a young woman when she took her first job as a fitness instructor 25 years ago with Richmond-based company Aerobics Plus.

Fast forward to today, and Mrs. Fleisher is still moving as a part-time fitness instructor.

Now a retired middle school administrator, the “50ish” Henrico County resident will undertake her latest fitness challenge next week when she chairs activities for the 2015 Active Aging Week. The theme: “Live Your Adventure.”

Set for Sunday, Sept. 27, through Saturday, Oct. 3, Active Aging Week is an initiative of the International Council on Active Aging. It is designed to encourage people age 50 and older to “actively engage in their communities by aging with diversity and adventure,” according to a news release promoting the event.

The kickoff will be 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 28, at Senior Connections’ newest Friendship Café at Diversity Richmond, 1407 Sherwood Ave. on North Side.

The event is free and open to the public, and will include singing, dancing, free wellness screenings and more.

Mrs. Fleisher said a host of businesses and organizations are planning fitness events throughout the week, ranging from line dancing and choral performances to a mall walk, pickle ball and water exercise classes.

Information about other activities scheduled for the week can be found online at www.agewellva.com.

Mrs. Fleisher said she was asked by Eric Garmon, director of the YMCA’s Growing Younger Program, to chair the event. “I have been thinking about increasing my involvement with senior exercise projects and this is a perfect way to do just that,” she adds.

She says her first love is dancing. “I want everyone to experience the great feelings that movement can bring to improve one’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being,” she says.

Meet this week’s fitness-minded Personality, Debra Sue Sims Fleisher.

Occupation: Part-time fitness instructor at the YMCA, Gold’s Gym, Brickhouse Cardio Club, Richmond Balance, LSE and Youfit (substitute).

Education: Virginia State University, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, endorsed in administration and supervision, and certified as a Reading Recovery Teacher.

Family: Husband, Paul.

Community partners participating in Active Aging Week activities: Managing partners include Age Wave, Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Gerontology, Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging, CareMore and the YMCA of Greater Richmond. Funding came from Genworth Financial (title), United Way (supporter) and Anthem Foundation to support a video showcasing the week’s events.

How to get involved: Contact sara.link@agewellva.com.

Favorite exercise: Exercises that work the abdominals and hips that I do in Zumba class such as hip circles, ribcage rolls and undulations.

Three words that best describe me: Sensitive, fun-loving and generous.

I place top value on: Treating everyone with respect and honoring and respecting everyone’s individuality.

Quality I most value in other people: Compassion.

Person who influenced me the most: Other than my parents, I have to say my husband. He taught me how to be assertive and more adventurous than I ever thought I would be. My life has been so enriched because of our experiences as a couple for more that 40 years.

Book that influenced me the most: As a lover of children’s books, one of many that I remember fondly is “Martin the Warrior” by Brian Jacques. This little character did so many brave things fighting for what he believed was good for so many others.

What I’m reading now: “Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass” by local author Meg Medina.

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is: To explore new horizons and experience things outside of my immediate environment and comfort zone. I am proud to say that I have been more adventurous.

My next goal: I plan to support the theme, “Live Your Adventure.” My next goal is to explore more exercise options and do more traveling. I am planning to increase my involvement with senior exercise programs, revisit Pilates and participate in body barre classes.