Exercise restores seniors' strength and spirits. Fitness plans keep residents of retirement community independent and socially active

Statistics, an independent study, and anecdotal reports are documenting the health benefits of regular exercise for older adults living at the McAuley Center, a continuing care retirement community in West Hartford, CT. As part of its commitment to holistic health, the center links residents with an on-site fitness counselor, who develops an individualized exercise program and helps motivate residents to stick with it. Residents can choose from individual personal training or rehabilitation programs or group programs such as aerobics or line dancing. The results speak for themselves. For the past five years, only 0.05 percent of the falls at the McAuley Center occurred among the 21 percent of the residents who exercise regularly. In addition, residents and staff alike report increased social interactions among those who exercise. Overall, residents and staff say the benefits of regular exercise contribute significantly to the goal of independent living at the McAuley Center.