SageLife Offers Move for Life Program, Produces Positive Results for Seniors

Staying physically active is a key component of leading a longer and healthier life. Studies show older adults who work on their physical wellness can reduce the risk of disease and decrease instances of injuries and falls. Plus physical activity helps combat feelings of depression and isolation — and improves general quality of life.

SageLife, which operates active lifestyle, retirement and supportive senior living communities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Massachusetts, offers an innovative, holistic program from Move for Life Physical Therapy that helps seniors maintain and improve their physical wellness.

The Move for Life Physical Therapy program at SageLife communities is a mix of one-on-one physical therapy, therapeutic exercise classes, educational lectures, gait training, neuromuscular re-education and adaptive equipment training — all aimed at improving the three main aspects of physical fitness: mobility, strength and balance. All aspects of the program are tailored to each individual’s abilities and goals.

More than two-thirds of residents participating in Move for Life maintained or improved their performance in three key mobility metrics: Up and Go

Test (71%), Sit to Stand test (73%) and Reach Test (67%).

While these numbers are impressive, the concrete ways seniors’ lives have improved through the program tell the true story of its success:

• “I went from using a walker to walking trails,” said a resident from SageLife’s community Plush Mills, in Wallingford, Pa.

• “I was taking medication for shoulder pain.

It eased it somewhat, but wasn’t complete solution,” said another Plush Mills resident. “After just 12 sessions (in the Move for Life program), no more pills and problem solved!”

“I walk with confidence and can go greater distances without getting tired,” said a resident at Daylesford Crossing in Paoli, Pa. “Everyday activities are easier and my balance has improved.”

A resident at The Maples in Towson, Md., reported that his arms, shoulders and upper body are all stronger. “I’ve graduated from a wheelchair to a walker and I’m on my way to walking independently.”

The Move for Life Physical Therapy Program is available to residents at Kyffin Grove in North Wales, Pa., in addition to Plush Mills, Daylesford Crossing and The Maples of Towson.