Brookdale Residents Are Getting Fit

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., July 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Residents in senior living communities throughout Brookdale's 36-state footprint are exercising their minds, bodies and spirits thanks to the Brookdale Fitness B-Fit exercise program. The new program aims to maximize seniors' functional abilities – the goal of Brookdale's Optimum Life philosophy of well-being. During each class, residents perform exercises that incorporate components of Tai Chi, brain challenging movements and meditative relaxation, and they like it.

Martha Jean Wells, a resident at The Cumberland in Nashville, praises the program.

"We started the class two weeks ago, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it," said Wells, who explained that she has been exercising at the community since she arrived in June 2012.

"It has a different format than our previous class; it helps us both physically and mentally," continued Wells. "Plus, it's great because there is something everyone can do. I'm 84, and there are ladies older than me who are participating."

Offered at least three days each week to residents in Brookdale communities across the nation, Brookdale Fitness B-Fit is based on the latest guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine. The new guidelines include cardiovascular, resistance training, flexibility and neuromotor components of exercise.

"Brookdale is leading the way for seniors in being the first to incorporate these new guidelines, especially the neuromotor aspect, which includes Tai Chi movements as a way to improve balance and reduce falls," said Brookdale's Chief Medical Officer Kevin O'Neil, M.D. 

Sara Terry, vice president of Customer Experience for Brookdale, describes Brookdale Fitness B-Fit as a cutting-edge program that provides residents with a fun, holistic and stimulating exercise experience.

She said, "What's great is that each class can be customized to meet the needs of each resident's abilities, ensuring that all of our residents – regardless of their challenges – have the opportunity to live an Optimum Life."

Terry goes on to explain that the program encompasses all of the six dimensions of Optimum Life – physical, emotional, purposeful, social, spiritual and intellectual – and provides instructors with action items to ensure residents are benefiting on a variety of levels.

"At Brookdale, we know how important it is for our residents to stay active," Terry said. "Exercise not only helps our residents increase bone density and functional abilities, it can improve mental and emotional health, support a sense of purpose, and provide opportunity for socialization."

Brookdale Fitness B-Fit is one of several Signature Programs by Brookdale. Others include Optimum Life Health Talks, educational opportunities for residents to learn about health and wellness topics from Brookdale nurses; The Ageless Spirit, a program that provides opportunities for residents to explore the role of spirituality in their individual lives, health and overall well-being; and My Life Story, a reminiscence and writing program that helps residents share their life story with loved ones.

For more information about the Brookdale Fitness B-Fit exercise program, or about Brookdale and its service offerings, visit www.brookdale.com.

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is a leading owner and operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The company is committed to providing an exceptional living experience through properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. Currently the company operates independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, with 649 communities in 36 states and the ability to serve over 67,000 residents. Brookdale is committed to providing exceptional living experiences within properties that are purpose-built, designed and operated to help residents live well while achieving an Optimum Life®. Brookdale communities provide a daily experience of programs, services and care that are unique as a result of the collective talents and inspiration of the residents, their families, and its associates – demonstrating Brookdale's promise of "Our People Make the Difference." For more information, visit http://www.brookdaleliving.com.

Contact: Andrea Turner, Public Relations Manager, 615-564-6829, [email protected]

SOURCE Brookdale