Elmcroft Senior Living, Vitality Club Cyclers

ALFA 2012 Best of the Best Program to Watch

Residents at four Elmcroft Senior Living communities are improving their lower body strength and balance by touring a different country by bicycle each month. Through Vitality Club Cyclers, residents try to log enough miles on a recumbent NuStep bike machine each week to equal the distance from one target destination to another, such as from Crete to Athens. Maps, posters, and videos spur them on. Participants who achieve their weekly target are invited to a party to celebrate and learn about that “Port of Call.”

Metrics on how well this pilot program has prevented falls are not yet in, but enthusiasm has been so positive that the initiative is being expanded to all 41 communities. “It’s not only having the excitement and visuals but having a little competition, too,” says Gerald Jackson, director of programs and staff development. “Some [residents] have formed teams.”

The above best practice was recognized as an ALFA 2012 Best of the Best Program to Watch. Do you have a best practice, product, service or solution at your community or company that is advancing excellence in senior living? The Call for Nominations for the ALFA 2013 Best of the Best Awards will begin in November. Visit alfa.org/bestofthebest to read more best practices.

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