La Posada, a premier Kisco Senior Living community, eagerly celebrated Active Aging Week (October 1-7) and showed off the latest equipment for helping seniors improve their health and wellness. Initiated in 2003 by the International Council on Active Aging®, the weeklong campaign calls attention to and wholeheartedly celebrates the positivity of aging today. In recognition of this meaningful event, the wellness department at La Posada set up an exhibition hall featuring different vendors with products related to aging and wellness. Particularly noteworthy were two pieces of equipment that attendees were able to try out: The Leonardo and the Galileo. La Posada is the only senior living community in the area that offers residents the use of these machines featuring breakthrough technology and innovations.
“The therapy department showcased three pieces of equipment that are all very impressive, but we are most excited about the Galileo,” said Linda Borgmeyer, MSK, OTR/L, occupational therapist at La Posada. “The Galileo features a side-alternating mechano-stimulation machine that builds power, strength, flexibility and balance; the Leonardo measures strength and power very objectively (used in sports medicine); and the Biodex measures balance and treats balance disorders. With this event and these remarkable machines, our goal was to demonstrate La Posada’s commitment to the ongoing health of residents so they can live the most active lifestyle possible.”
The event was held on October 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and was designed for residents. The senior living community received the Galileo nearly three months ago, and residents are already boasting about its benefits.
“I’ve been using the Galileo since we received it per the recommendation of Linda,” said Steve Dukkony, a resident of La Posada. “It’s an innovative and life-changing machine that has each person perform a series of exercises to increase flexibility and balance while building muscle power. I have a routine that consists of warm-up exercises followed by three to four strenuous exercises that last three minutes each. While completing the exercises, the Galileo features a vibration device that sends vibrations through the feet to activate muscles in the whole body. The body benefits from the vibrations because it improves blood flow, circulation and the lymphatic system. I encouraged several other residents to try it out, and we are all convinced it is working because we have more energy, better balance and increased flexibility. Linda is keeping a record of my improvement, and we see a significant increase in flexibility. I am a huge proponent of this device!”
“We are thrilled to provide machines like the Galileo to enhance the lives of residents and those who are signed up for outpatient therapy services,” said Brad Cadiere, executive director of La Posada. “Improving muscle strength, flexibility and balance will help prevent falls, increase mobility and boost self-confidence. It was a no-brainer to provide these opportunities for wellness to our residents.”