Mercy LIFE Offers Delco Seniors Exercise and Social Activities

How local seniors can stay physically active, socially engaged and remain living independently in their own homes.

With age comes many life changes – retirement, loss of loved ones, health issues, changes in family dynamics – which can lead to feelings of loneliness and loss of purpose. One of the simplest ways for seniors to keep loneliness and depression at bay is to remain socially connected to loved ones and peers.

Where can seniors have the option to play bocce ball or bowl or to visit area attractions – all in one day?  Mercy LIFE participants have access to a host of social activities and exercise workshops to keep seniors active, engaged and physically fit. The activities offered are in addition to the comprehensive medical care Mercy LIFE provides area seniors.

Mercy LIFE participants enjoy activities of their choice daily – simple ways to stay engaged and connected, which can contribute to long-term independence and quality of life.

Exercise

Each month, Mercy LIFE’s team of skilled recreation therapists creates a schedule of physical activities for participants. While Mercy LIFE participants are free to enjoy a refreshing walk around one of three Day Centers at any time, many choose to participate in exercise therapy classes. These classes, taught by trained physical therapists, help seniors exercise a variety of motor skills that can easily deteriorate from restricted or limited movement. These classes include exercises such as yoga, which relieves stress and anxiety, improves balance, and increases flexibility.

Recreation therapists also schedule activities that keep Mercy LIFE’s seniors active while encouraging social interaction. Throughout the month, seniors team up for shuffleboard, bowling, tetherball, golf – and even hula hoop – tournaments. So far in July, Mercy LIFE participants have enjoyed the summer weather with games of “Football Knock Down” and balloon volleyball!

Social Activities and Games

In addition to keeping Mercy LIFE participants physically active, the seniors can choose to participate in an array of fun and engaging games with both their peers and Mercy LIFE staff. Activities like bingo, poker, Pokeno (a card game similar to bingo), and word puzzles exercise the seniors’ minds and keep critical thinking skills sharp. Most recently, Mercy LIFE participants have teamed up for activities with a July theme, like Independence Day Word in a Word and other patriotic brainteasers and games.

For participants who prefer “the finer things in life,” Mercy LIFE offers salon appointments, movie nights, shopping days and group trips to area attractions. The goal is to accommodate each participant by providing access to their favorite activities.

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Mercy LIFE is a member of the Mercy Health System. Mercy Health System is the largest Catholic healthcare system serving the Delaware Valley and is comprised of more than 6,000 caring, highly skilled employees focused on creating an outstanding patient-care experience.

This year, Mercy LIFE became available to seniors living in Delaware County, including Darby, Chester, Yeadon, Prospect Park, Wallingford, Woodlyn, Lansdowne, Sharon Hill, Garnet Valley, and Ridley Park (specific zip codes include 19013, 19014, 19015, 19018, 19022, 19023, 19032, 19033, 19036, 19050, 19060, 19061, 19074, 19076, 19078, 19081, 19079, and 19094).

To schedule a tour of one of three Mercy LIFE Day Centers, call us at 215-339-4747 or visit www.mercylife.org.