Today’s Senior Wellness: Function Over Fandom
Alicia Bridge, Wellness Director, Kingsley Shores, Lakeville
by Greg DeMarco
Alicia may not have been around when Jack LaLanne invented the modern fitness movement on the juggernaut of 1950s TV. However, she most certainly knows the science and practice of 21st century wellness for older adults.
While Jack’s show 60 years ago was squarely centered on health, his message was inseparable from TV’s fandom and commercialization. Whereas today, Alicia is guiding seniors firsthand in wellness conditioning, rooted in sound science, that grows and maintains their own independence.
It all started when graduating North Dakota State University in 2001. With her education in Kinesiology Alicia initially applied her degree in Human Performance and Exercise as an Athletic Trainer in the Twin Cities health club scene – Bally’s, LA Fitness etc.
Signs Kept Pointing To Seniors
Before the health clubs, Alicia interned for three months in an Iowa gym working with seniors in a program called Healthy Hearts For Older Adults. However, career opportunity initially came in the health clubs. Driven as she is, Alicia moved up the ladder into various management roles over the years.
After 6-7 years in the management level of the clubs Alicia missed the teaching and fitness. This led to moving to YMCA. In this setting she kept finding herself working with seniors on programs like Active Older Adults, Silver Sneakers, Forever Well, etc. And she liked it. A lot!
The nature of working with older adults was very appealing to Alicia. “They’re so much fun to work with! They look after one another and keep track of each other.” She explained. “Such a great group!” she smiled.
Health Clubs, Covid and Senior Living
When the pandemic hit it totally shut down the health club industry. After nearly 9 months of job search it forced a change of direction in how to look at the job market for Alicia. That’s when she noticed the new building going up at Kingsley Shores.
The new addition Alicia discovered was to include a substantial fitness center and warm water therapy pool. For seniors! Suddenly it all made sense. This high level of facility filled with her favorite people to work with is where she belonged.
Senior Fitness is Alicia’s Passion
With the ‘clean palate’ of Kingsley’s new fitness center Alicia established an inspired atmosphere right out of the gate. She loves what she does and it shines like a diamond.
“It’s always about relating it to daily life and normal activities.” explained Alicia. “I never tire of answering “Why am I doing this Alicia?”
“It hurts when I do this…” usually means poor positioning or incorrect alignment. Simple adjustments can lead to “Aha!” moments of surprising relief.
Little Improvements Provide Big Payoffs
Alicia shares some examples such as:
- His open heart surgery recovery is much less painful when having the leg strength to get up without having to solely rely on arm strength getting out of the chair.
- Her increased walking endurance of just an extra hundred steps means she can go out with family to the restaurant.
- His becoming able to take three stairs makes it possible to go visit the grand kids at their house!
It Takes A Village
“Knowing the possibilities are within reach I don’t take no for an answer easily” Alicia laughs gently.
And the benefits are cumulative individually and around the community. Someone who has benefitted gets the discussion going in the dining room with a friend who could benefit from the same.
Families see the benefits around the building and pick up the messaging when visiting. Residents will tip Alicia that so-and-so might be ready for an invitation.
Some say “I don’t exercise!” but see enough of it often enough, they give it a try.
Fitness Is Everywhere
When Alicia isn’t at Kingsley she is working side jobs doing fitness training etc. at the Lakeville YMCA, Eagan Community Center and Eagan Cascade Bay Water Park. Everybody in her orbit, whereever that may be, is lucky to have Alicia’s instruction and energy.
“Alicia is such a huge asset to our community! She gets to know each resident on a personal level and is always encouraging them to move their bodies. Her knowledge around seniors and fitness is top notch and we are so thankful to have her!”
Amy Anderson, Sales Coordinator, Kingsley Shores and Kingsley Place