Keys to active aging

What do you need to either maintain your current level of fitness or even enhance it? We find one common characteristic of Erickson residents is this: they tend to take an active role in their health care.

That means people here take advantage of a full range of on-campus health care tools such as:

• Bone density tests—One of the leading disablers of women over age 65 and men over age 70 is bone loss, through a disease called osteoporosis. The earlier osteoporosis is detected, and you start fighting it, the less bone loss you’re likely to experience. Erickson Health is a leader in instituting on-site bone density scans for its residents
• Accent on preventive care—Falling is the leading cause of disabling fractures in older adults. Erickson Health is a leader in fall and fracture prevention through balance and strength training programs. These include VIVA!, FallProof, Bands & Balls, and Tai Chi, conducted by our on-site program specialty coordinators
• Aquatics/Fitness Centers—Whether you’re seeking water aerobics to fight arthritis, age-accommodating Keiser equipment to enhance heart function, or a walking partner, come here to find it
• Consumer education—Informed consumers tend to stay healthier. Erickson Health provides education through FREE health newsletters, and on-site, physician-led education seminars
• Electronic medical records—Erickson Health has Centricity, a program that quickly displays your latest health information to your doctor. And you can update it online, through the Resident Health Portal where you can view your own records