At Orchard Grove, Daily Fitness Classes Help Seniors Stay Active All Winter

SHREWSBURY, MA — At The Residence at Orchard Grove in Shrewsbury, staying active is built into the everyday lives of its senior residents.

It's part of the senior living community's program, which motivates its residents to keep moving. Mary Beth McCarthy, Orchard Grove's Senior Resident Engagement Director, said it's essential for seniors to have consistent physical activity during the winter months.

In the wintertime, movement helps reduce falls, build balance, and keep muscles warm, according to McCarthy, who has been working at Orchard Grove for about six years. "All of these exercises that we do are to build their strength and independence to keep them active," she said.

Orchard Grove offers two wellness classes each day, with options like barre and balance or Tai Chi. The classes are designed for different abilities.

But the fitness program is just one part of Orchard Grove's five principles of vitality. In addition to physical fitness, the senior living community promotes wellness and self-care, community connections, arts and culture, and continued learning.

"We incorporate all of those principles into our day every single day," said McCarthy. "And physical fitness has been one of the most important because it gives them strength and maintains their independence."

McCarthy said the barre and balance class is exciting as it mixes stretching and strength with upbeat music. She said she even calls her students the mini Rockettes.

"They love to blast Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond," she said. "They love to move and they really look forward to the classes."

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