Providence Center launches senior-InShape program

PROVIDENCE – In a program specifically designed for seniors suffering from mental illness, the Providence Center recently announced the expansion of its InShape program to address the specific physical health needs of seniors, such as osteoporosis.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our patients older than 65 with the opportunity to benefit from the InShape curriculum,” said Dale K. Klatzker, president and CEO of the Providence Center. “This program has proven effective in helping our clients take control of their health, make healthy choices on a daily basis and become more engaged in their communities.”

Based upon an ongoing InShape wellness curriculum for adults, the program seeks to improve physical and emotional health of seniors and to reduce health care costs through exercise.

Participants will work with a personal trainer to help them set fitness and nutrition goals as well as accompany them to community fitness classes and one-on-one workout sessions. In addition, the InShape Seniors program will place an emphasis on decreasing isolation by providing group exercise classes, pairing senior participants to exercise together, according to Providence Center officials.

“Participants are excited to take control of their health and learn how nutrition and exercise improves their physical and behavioral health symptoms,” said Dennis Gonsalves, InShape manager. “For senior populations, the most rewarding part of the program is seeing friendships develop and a desire to re-engage with the world as a result of the program.”