UNE U-ExCEL program gets older adults moving with retirement community volleyball match

Older adults play water volleyball through U-ExCEL program

The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine’s U-ExCEL program is advancing fitness for older adults in fun and innovative ways. Erica Robertson, M.P.H. candidate, U-ExCEL Fitness Director, organized a volleyball match on February 27, 2017 between two local retirement communities.

Piper Shores Continuing Care Retirement Community and OceanView at Falmouth Retirement Community faced off at the Piper Shores pool. The water volleyball players practiced for months to prepare for the event, which drew a sizable crowd. About 100 spectators lined the pool cheering for their teams. After three nail-biting, hard-fought games, Piper Shores took home the victory.

The UNE - Exercise and Conditioning for Easier Living (U-ExCEL) program is an older adult functional fitness and wellness program within UNE's College of Osteopathic Medicine Division of Geriatric Medicine. The program provides older adults in the local community with daily strength, endurance and balance training workouts. Water volleyball helped participants increase reaction time, hand-eye-coordination, levels of overall fun and enjoyment and boosted social engagement.

To learn more about the University of New England’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit www.une.edu/com

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions