Exercising and prioritizing physical health is important no matter your age. However, it is extremely important for adults to stay physically active as they age to support their bone strength, balance, brain health, and heart health. Staying active, particularly through programs tailored for seniors, can help improve overall wellbeing, maintain mobility, prevent falls and injuries, and foster social connection.
Understanding the significance of physical wellness in benefitting mental health, cognitive function, and social connection, Brightview Senior Living has made physical health a key component of its SPICE program. The SPICE initiative includes the five holistic elements of wellness (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural, and Emotional) to support an overall sense of well-being and a positive approach to life. To address the Physical component of SPICE, Brightview communities offer various types of exercise classes, many of which meet weekly.
A licensed physical therapist, Carrie Hilburn, visits the Brightview Annapolis community weekly to lead her fitness session every Tuesday and Thursday morning. The sessions always begin with a warmup of stretching and diaphragmatic breathing exercises to help prepare the muscles and joints. It is then followed by a variety of low impact exercises targeting muscles in the upper and lower body. Residents have the choice to use hand weights and resistance bands during the exercises. Core strengthening is incorporated to enhance trunk stability, along with cardiovascular work such as seated marching, quick feet, and modified jumping jacks.
“We always add a lightning round of trivia questions too,” shared Carrie. “It’s a great way to have fun and exercise the mind!”
Carrie is the co-founder of Stay Home Safely, an organization that helps people of all ages live independently as possible through home safety modifications as well as by improving physical strength, balance, and mental wellbeing.
Considering balance and coordination is crucial when exercising, particularly as falls become more prevalent among older adults. Carrie shared, “Regular exercise helps with cardiovascular health, strengthens the muscles, and improves flexibility and balance in older adults. Staying active can also help seniors to maintain their independence and reduce the risk of falls and injuries.”
Carrie has been leading these sessions weekly with Brightview Annapolis since 2020 and will occasionally fill in at the Brightview Severna Park location. A Brightview Annapolis Assisted Living resident, Nancy, who is a former Physical Education teacher, shared she has been moving better since joining the fitness classes. Another Brightview Annapolis resident from Independent Living, Loise, shared, “I most look forward to the interaction with other people.”
“Exercise supports cognitive function and helps to foster social connections, especially in a group setting, which can significantly impact mental wellbeing and improve the overall quality of life for older adults,” noted Carrie.
SPICE in Motion exercise classes, along with other fitness classes, like Carrie’s, are accessible across Brightview communities and are open to all residents.
“We have an amazing group of residents that join us every week!” added Carrie. “A few that have been coming the longest are Harley, Jack, Duncan, Karen, Caroline, Bill, Micheal and Gail.”
Brightview Senior Living builds, owns, and operates award-winning vibrant senior living communities in eight states along the East Coast: Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia. We offer senior Independent Living, Assisted Living, Enhanced Care, and Wellspring Village™, a specialized neighborhood for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Schedule a personal visit to experience our communities firsthand.
