On May 15th, physical therapists Traci Bergeron and Pierre Botton of Grace Cottage Hospital's Rehabilitation department began offering The Strong Living Program to residents of the West River Valley.

This twelve-week strength and balance training program was developed for both active and sedentary older adults by researchers and exercise physiologists at Tufts University. Research has shown that exercise can improve muscle strength, bone density, emotional well being, balance, and functional mobility, and reduce falls by older adults.

Grace Cottage is able to offer this program as a result of the combined efforts of The Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont and the Vermont Department of Health. These groups secured donations and grant funding for the program and have provided training and equipment for the Grace Cottage therapists.