SAIL program helping seniors keep active, upright
BUTLER TWP — Stay active and independent for life. In other words, sail along. Such is the acronym.
The SAIL program is proving to be an effective way for adults age 65 and older to maintain physical fitness in a fun, social sort of way.
SAIL consists of performing exercises that improve strength, balance and fitness. The program is designed to keep senior citizens active and reduce their chances of falling.
Heidi Nicholls Bowser, membership and healthy living director of the Butler YMCA, leads the program. Coordinated through the Area Agency on Aging, classes are 45 minutes long and take place 11 times a week. Classes are hosted by the Tanglewood Center, Cranberry Township Senior Center, Slippery Rock Senior Center and Westminster Church.
“We have people in their 60s, all the way up to their 90s,” Bowser said. “Falls are the No. 1 risk factor toward death for seniors. SAIL is designed to keep away from that.
“This program has been around for 20 years or longer. The number of participants keeps growing. We’re over 100 now.”
A typical SAIL class has 20 participants. Following a warm-up period that includes back kicks, pumping of arms, marching, toe tapping, squats and skating motion, three rounds of exercise take place, including use of plastic balls, stretch bands and small dumbbells.
“I love it because it’s an evidence-based program that has notable, positive affects on the participants,” instructor Jake Taciuch said. “The exercises reduce falls, improve balance and motor coordination.
“I tailor my exercise regimen to the group and its ability levels. SAIL requires a cardiovascular warm-up and muscle exercises. Besides that, it’s very general. The instructor makes up the exercises.”
And keeps it fun.
While torsos are twisting and bodies are bending, hamstrings are loosened and arms are stretched, banter takes place between the instructor and participants.
“The social aspect is important,” Taciuch said. He told the class his young daughter was taking tap lessons “and it’s adorable” as he instructed the participants in a toe-tapping exercise.
Larry Sumansky, 75, of Butler, joined the SAIL program a few months ago.
“You go to a gym, you walk on a treadmill, lift weights … it gets boring,” Sumansky said. “I went to the VA gym for a while and it was quiet there, too. I enjoy socializing, talking to people. I like the friendly class atmosphere here.”
Jackie Healy, 86, of Butler, has been a SAIL participant for 14 years.
‘I’ve made so many friends here,” she said. “I make myself go. The friends I make are what keeps me coming and I enjoy working on my muscles. I come twice a week. A bunch of us go out to coffee afterward.”
Valerie McElroy, 68, of Hooker, said she’s been coming to SAIL Classes for seven years.
“Ever since I retired … A friend invited me,” she said. “We do a lot of talking. We’re all gabby. I want to keep on moving. I was a nurse, so I know how important working on range of motion is.”
Peggy King, 84, of Butler, has been a SAIL participant for 20 years.
“I don’t want to just sit,” she said. “These classes are structured and worthwhile and it’s great seeing everybody.”
Taciuch said: “There are a lot of familiar faces. People keep coming back. It’s a fun, productive time.”
SAIL participants must register for a class in advance by calling the Area Agency on Aging office at 724-282-3008, option 6.
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Larry Sumansky does dumbbell shoulder presses during the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Peggy King performs deadlifts with a resistance band during the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Larry Sumansky does dumbbell shoulder presses during the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Valerie McElroy performs a dumbbell exercise during the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Instructor Jake Taciuch leads the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Peggy King performs deadlifts with a resistance band during the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Instructor Jake Taciuch leads the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Jackie Healey stretches during the cool down portion of the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Jackie Healey performs a dumbbell exercise during the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Theresa Dreher performs a dumbbell exercise during the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Jackie Healey stretches during the cool down portion of the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Ruby Ferrere does a dumbbell exercise during the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Lina Rosales performs a hamstring exercise with an exercise ball during the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Theresa Dreher performs a dumbbell exercise during the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Peggy King performs deadlifts with a resistance band during the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Jackie Healey stretches during the cool down portion of the SAIL class, a senior citizens physical exercise program, at the Tanglewood Center in Butler on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
