Frank Levy, Newbury Living's President and avid exercise enthusiast started

with a simple idea that building strength is both possible and beneficial at any age. 

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Hoping that even one or two residents of Sage Independence would take him up on his

offer, Frank invited any resident to join a 6-week program inspired by the Blue Zone

concept of groups living longer and better through exercise, healthy eating, and social

connection.  

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Far exceeding expectations, nearly half of the community joined to lift weights, use equipment they had often never seen before, and try new and sometimes exotic healthy foods as a new group with a shared goal.  Week by week, comments like, "I'm feeling so much stronger" or "I'm getting around so much easier now" and even "Our kids are so happy that we're doing this" started to be shared, and by tracking reps, resistance and distances, the group was making real progress!

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More residents joined, which required more staff to join in the fun to provide a safe and hands-on experience.  This bond of the "athletes" and "trainers" continued to grow over the course of the 6-weeks.  Finally, as the group reached the conclusion of the program, it was obvious to all involved that this program could not end.  Sage Independence is now the Home of the Blue Zone Club, surely the only place around where twice a week seniors receive 1 (trainer) on 2 (athletes) athletic training in a fantastically equipped gym, then gather around a healthy table with athletes and trainers alike. Like all amenities and services at Sage, this program is available to any resident at no added charge.