SageLife residents make a difference in their communities

In the past, thoughts of senior living could elicit mental images of a sedentary lifestyle in an environment that lacked energy and enthusiasm.

However, culturally we’ve undergone a shift and are entering an era of elder care where seniors are engaging with their communities in more ways than one.

SageLife, a retirement community management company with locations throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland and Massachusetts, is helping its residents find purpose in their retirement years through various volunteer and community service opportunities.

The holistic wellness program MOSAIC, an acronym for movement, outreach, social, arts, intellectual and curiosity, is at the core of all SageLife activities and events.

Volunteer service projects play a significant role in the MOSAIC lifestyle because they allow residents to build meaningful relationships with each other and their communities. By engaging in various volunteer initiatives, residents contribute to the betterment of their communities and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in their own lives.

“Our volunteer program is a collaborative effort between residents and our team members,” said Bethany McCardell, Life Services director at Echo Lake in Malvern. “Each month we work together to find opportunities where our residents can make an impact.

“The response from our residents has been truly remarkable. They have expressed how the program has given them the ability to give back in ways they couldn’t before.”

Throughout the year, residents of Echo Lake; Daylesford Crossing (Paoli); Plush Mills (Wallingford); and The 501 at Mattison Estate (Ambler) participate in a wide range of volunteer opportunities.

Most recently, Plush Mills created care packages to send to our troops overseas.

501 residents Nancy Berger and Barbara German hosted a jewelry sale and raised $3,700 for the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC).

Echo Lake and Daylesford Crossing volunteered to make crafts with children at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

Additionally, SageLife communities engage in year-round fundraising efforts for the Alzheimer’s Association such as its annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

“It’s amazing to see everyone work together, especially our residents with dementia and Parkinson’s,” said Mary Small, Life Enrichment director at Daylesford Crossing. “Volunteering gives them a sense of purpose and reinforces their dignity by encouraging them to contribute to their community. They feel thankful for opportunities to be a part of their community.”

The volunteer work continues for SageLife communities as they embark on a new endeavor for the start of the school year. The “Adopt a Classroom” initiative is a unique volunteer opportunity created by SageLife team members and residents.

The program fosters intergenerational connections and provides students with valuable life lessons and advice by connecting them with a resident from a SageLife community.

To learn more about SageLife, visit https://www.sagelife.com or call 484-472-8151.