March 4 Kicks Off Free, Virtual ‘Seniors in Motion’ by NewBridge

Published on February 24, 2021

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One-Hour Sessions Teach the Power of Movement in Wellness, Pain Management

NewBridge Services is registering adults age 60 and up for its next six-week session of Seniors in Motion, a virtual program that teaches older adults the power of body movement in wellness and pain management.

 “I think it’s great! It gives me something to look forward to on Thursdays,” said 89-year-old Margaret McHugh of Sparta. “I never was a dancer, but it’s very satisfying to move to music I like,” said McHugh, one of 40 participants in the winter session. Due to poor balance, McHugh keeps her walker within reach and modifies some of the movements. “It’s a pleasant hour, and I can’t say enough about the women who run it: They are so friendly and welcoming.”

Jan M., another participant, said: "I enjoyed it a lot. It helped me get my body moving a little easier."

Seniors in Motion “makes exercise fun while moving to music,” said instructor Sylvie Minot. “It is not just a great physical activity; it calms the mind, relaxes the body, eases pain, lifts the spirit, and creates connections.”

NewBridge logoNewBridge teamed up with Syzygy Dance Project, founded by Minot, and Life Center Stage to create a program for seniors to gather virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seniors in Motion is part of Tame the Pain, a NewBridge initiative that helps older adults understand the risks of prescription opioids and learn alternative pain management options. It’s funded by a state Department of Human Services grant.

“When we join together in movement and dance, it lifts our spirits, relieves stress, and leads to a deep sense of joy while also improving circulation and strengthening muscle function,” Life Center Stage owner Vicky Mulligan said.

NewBridge Services Director of Community Response and Education Beth Jacobson said the program is suitable for all seniors because the movements can be adapted. “I have received nothing but positive feedback from participants,” said Jacobson, adding that seniors are requesting class play lists so they can do the movements between sessions. Participants are not required to attend every session.

Click here to register, or cut and paste this into a browser: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/seniorsinmotion. If you have questions, contact Jacobson at [email protected] or (973) 686-2242 for more information.

About NewBridge Services

NewBridge Services, a 501c(3) nonprofit, is a premier provider of counseling services, housing and educational programs in northern New Jersey serving 8,500 adults and seniors last year alone. NewBridge treats mental illnesses and addictions; teaches skills for coping with stress, grief and challenging relationships; builds and manages affordable housing; offers school-based programs that teach children and adolescents resiliency skills for healthy emotional development; helps young adults succeed in their education and prepare for careers; and supports seniors so they can remain independent. Throughout its more than 50-year history, NewBridge has remained true to its mission of bringing balance to people’s lives by tracking shifts in communities’ needs and providing innovative, effective programs to meet them.