“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
We’re Springing up to Say “Hello!”
Spring arrives on Thursday, March 20! With it comes more daylight, eventually warmer weather and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. One month later is Easter Sunday. Easter is a celebration of hope and renewal! Our hope for you at this time is for good health in mind, body and spirit. We hope you find this issue informative and inspiring. This Life to the Fullest issue includes:
Join us on a Pilgrimage down the shore
Senior Ministry Highlights and Happenings
Feature article – Healthy Aging – Fall Prevention and Home Safety Tips
Upcoming events & more.
At VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services, we are here to help YOU live your
Life to the Fullest! We’re Springing up to Say “Hello!” Spring arrives on Thursday, March 20! With it comes more daylight, eventually warmer weather and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. One month later is Easter Sunday. Easter is a celebration of hope and renewal! Our hope for you at this time is for good health in mind, body and spirit. We hope you find this issue informative and inspiring. This Life to the Fullest issue includes:
Join us on a Pilgrimage down the shore
Senior Ministry Highlights and Happenings
Feature article – Healthy Aging – Fall Prevention and Home Safety Tips
Upcoming events & more
At VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services, we are here to help YOU live your
Life to the Fullest!
Pilgrimage of Fellowship, Prayer and Ocean Air
“A pilgrimage on foot is a great aid for rediscovering the value of silence, effort, and
simplicity of life.” (Francis, Spes Non Confundit, 2025)
In this Jubilee Year, all are welcome on Saturday, April 26 in Ventnor, NJ for our 6th pilgrimage walk, “Way of St. James on the Road of Life.” Modeled on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain, friends and family of all ages are invited to share this special time with us. See below for details. Morning prayer, walk, Mass, lunch and a t-shirt are all included in this free event! Register online here. Contact Christine Willard, Manager of Parish Based Senior Programs at 856-583-6121 or christine.willard@camdendiocese.org with questions or further assistance.
Senior Ministry Happenings
Music, Mindfulness and Movement. Seniors at The Renaissance Center, Gibbsboro practiced Cardio Drumming, a low-impact exercise that combines drumming with cardiovascular exercise. It can help improve balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health. Director, Tese Hemschoot, shared that the upbeat music and movements was enjoyed
by all.
All participants at Prime Timers Senior Day Center, Mantua were feeling the love at its Valentine’s part with games, photo booth and country line dancing. Deacon Phil Curran will lead the seniors in “Scrambled Eggs and Scripture” during Lent for spiritual mindfulness and prayer. The holidays brought lots of Christmas spirit to all our senior social day centers. The DJ at Golden Slippers Senior Day Center, Berlin had everyone up and moving to their favorite dance tunes. Young at Heart Club, Atco members showed their Philadelphia EAGLES spirit for the Super Bowl.
Senior Social Day Center Listing ~ Join in on the fun!
Golden Slippers
Director: Barbara Hanson
Saint Simon Stock Parish, Berlin
Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(856) 767-2563
Prime Timers
Director: Flo Curly
Church of the Incarnation, Mantua
Tues. & Thurs. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(856) 468-1314
The Renaissance Center
Director – Tese Hemschoot
Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish,
Gibbsboro
Tues. & Thurs. 9:30 a.m. – 1p.m.
(856) 784-3878
Young at Heart Club
Director: Kathy Benton
Christ the Redeemer Parish, Atco
Wed. & Fri. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(856) 767-0719
Mind, Body and Spiritual Health
Feature Article: Healthy Aging – Preventing Falls and Home Safety
Despite popular belief, falls are not a result of aging, however the risk of falls does
increase with age. Research shows that falls are the leading cause of injury and injuryrelated deaths for adults 65 and older. In fact, one in four older adults will fall each
year. These statistics reinforce the importance for seniors to be concerned about
falling. While falls cannot always be predicted, they can be prevented.
The fear of falling can also be a risk of falling, especially for those you have fallen in
the past. This fear can lead to decisions that limit activities and social engagements
which can impact mobility and muscle strength. In addition, when caution becomes fear,
it can have social, physical and financial impacts.
Specific conditions to pay special attention to can also increase the risk of falling
such as:
Lower body weakness
Poor nutrition and/or dehydration
Vision problems – impairments can affect depth perception and reduce contrast
sensitivity as well as make it difficult to judge distances.
Assistive devices – devices such as walkers or canes that do not fit to your body
structure can increase fall risk.
Seven Steps you can take to prevent a serious fall
- Maintain regular check-ups with health providers including vision and hearing.
- Review medications with your provider.
- Limit or eliminate alcohol.
- Maintain a balanced diet.
- Acknowledge if you are afraid of falling and tell your provider.
- Get 30 minutes of daily exercise.
- Do strength and balance exercises
Tips to Make Your Home Safer
* Assess your surroundings
* Remove trip hazards – cords and clutter
* Remove or tape down all area rugs
* Add grab bars in bathroom
* Create a clear, wide path to bathroom
* Add hand rails and good lighting in stairwells
* Wear tight-fitted shoes
* Use assistive devices that have been fitted for you
* Put a bell on your pet’s collar
* Keep items within reach – avoid step stools
Upcoming Events
March 5 – Ash Wednesday-Lent Begins
March 6 – H.O.P.E. Retreat
March 7 @ 7 p.m. – Friday Night Bingo
March 9 – Daylight Saving Time – Turn your clock forward!
March 13 @ 7 p.m. – Presentation – Caring for Parents with Dementia
March 19 – Bus Trip – Noah 30th Anniversary – Lancaster, PA
April 20 – Easter Sunday
April 26 @ 9 a.m. – The Way of St. James Pilgrimage Walk
Please refer to the Diocese of Camden website for event details.
www.camdendiocese.org.
