Fallon Health and City of Worcester celebrate partnership to help keep older adults healthy
$200,000 donation made to the Worcester Senior Center
Worcester, Mass., November 3, 2022—Fallon Health and the City of Worcester today celebrated their partnership formed through a mutual commitment to the health and well-being of older adults in the community. In recognition of Fallon Health’s $200,000 donation to the Five Years of Fitness program at the Worcester Senior Center, city leaders held a ribbon cutting where they formally unveiled the Fallon Health Wellness Center.
Located on the second floor at 128 Providence Street, Worcester, the newly renovated space was designed to inspire older adults to stay active in mind and body. It serves as a gathering spot for fitness programming sponsored by Fallon Health’s donation. The funds cover the costs of fees associated with certified instructor-led health and fitness classes between 2022 and 2027 as well as exercise supplies and equipment.
“Physical activity and exercise can play an important role in older adults’ abilities to remain in their communities and improve their overall health and well-being,” said Richard Burke, President and CEO of Fallon Health. “We are committed to caring for this important population and are thrilled to support their health goals by providing fun and engaging fitness classes at no cost to them for a period of five years.”
“As we sought to modernize our Senior Center, we looked for engaged corporate citizens to partner with. Fallon Health is deeply rooted in our community and is especially invested in our older adults,” said Eric Batista, Acting City Manager of Worcester. “We appreciate not only their sizable donation, which is making a meaningful difference in the lives of so many, but also their commitment to providing innovative solutions to empower seniors to take more control of their own health.”
Due to ongoing concerns from the pandemic, classes began virtually (on YouTube and Worcester’s Government Channel seen on Charter Channel 192) in January and have since transitioned to include in-person options. Available programs include but are not limited to:
- Strength training
- Osteoporosis prevention
- Dance
- Tai Chi
- Aerobics and Yoga
- Walking
- Balance and fall prevention
“We are excited by the new energy that the Five Years of Fitness program has brought to the Senior Center,” said Amy Waters, Director of the Worcester Senior Center. “More than 300 individuals have already taken advantage of the free classes sponsored by Fallon Health and we anticipate many more will join them as we continue to add fun and unique opportunities for our seniors to learn and exercise together.”
Fallon Health contact:
Melissa Randall
Director, Corporate Communications
Fallon Health
508-368-9345
melissa.randall@fallonhealth.org
About Fallon Health
Fallon Health is a mission-driven not-for-profit health care services organization based in Worcester, Massachusetts. For 45 years we have been improving health and inspiring hope in the communities we serve. Committed to caring for those who need us most, we pride ourselves on providing equitable access to coordinated, integrated care for our members with a special focus on those who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid. We also serve as a provider of care through our Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Dedicated to delivering high quality health care, we are continually rated among the nation’s top health plans for member experience and service and clinical quality.