September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to celebrate the many ways older adults can continue to prioritize their physical, emotional and social well-being as they age. At Knollwood Place Apartments, healthy aging isn’t about slowing down — it’s about finding the right support to keep moving forward.
That philosophy is at the heart of Knollwood Place Apartments’ Independent Living new personal fitness program with trainer Wendy Clyman.
Wendy brings a lifelong passion for fitness, a career rooted in the Jewish community and a deeply personal connection to Sholom. Before becoming a trainer, she spent more than 25 years working with Jewish communal organizations, including synagogues, nonprofit organizations and 13 years at Herzl Camp.
But it was her own family’s experience with aging that ultimately inspired Wendy to take her career in a new direction.
Finding the Gap After Physical Therapy
While caring for her aging parents alongside her sister, Wendy saw a challenge familiar to many older adults and their families. After an injury, illness or surgery, physical therapy can provide important support for recovery. But what happens when therapy ends?
Wendy saw that people often knew they were supposed to continue exercising but didn’t necessarily have the confidence, motivation or individualized support to do it on their own.
“I realized there was this gap,” Wendy said. “I wanted to help people keep moving and feel confident doing it.”
With a specific goal of working with older adults, Wendy returned to school to earn her fitness certifications. When an opportunity became available at Knollwood Place Apartments, the fit felt especially meaningful.
Wendy’s connection to Sholom is personal. Her mother currently lives at Roitenberg Family Assisted Living, and both of her parents previously called Knollwood Place home.
“I specifically wanted to work here,” Wendy said. “When I saw the posting, I thought, this is exactly what I wanted.”
Fitness Designed Around the Individual
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healthy aging. That’s why the personal fitness program at Knollwood Place begins by getting to know each resident as an individual.
Wendy starts with a one-on-one intake to learn about health history, mobility, flexibility, goals and specific concerns. Residents may be navigating arthritis or a previous joint replacement, hoping to improve their balance, working to regain strength or simply looking for ways to feel more comfortable and confident in everyday movement.
From there, Wendy develops a customized fitness plan based on each resident’s individual abilities, goals and comfort level.
Just as importantly, the goal extends beyond the time Wendy and a resident spend together. She helps residents develop movements and routines they can safely incorporate into their everyday lives, supporting greater confidence and independence over time.
“Keep Moving. Keep Going Forward.”
At the center of Wendy’s approach is a simple philosophy: “Keep moving. Keep going forward.”
For older adults, movement doesn’t have to mean an intense workout or reaching a particular fitness milestone. Small, consistent movements can help support strength, flexibility, balance and the ability to continue participating in everyday activities.
Wendy also encourages residents to focus on their abilities rather than their limitations.
“Don’t concentrate on what you can’t do,” Wendy said. “Let’s concentrate on what you can do.”
It’s a message that fits perfectly with Healthy Aging Month. Aging well looks different for everyone, and healthy aging isn’t about comparing yourself to where you were 10 or 20 years ago. It’s about identifying what matters to you today and finding ways to support your well-being, independence and quality of life.
Supporting Healthy Aging at Knollwood Place
At Knollwood Place Apartments, residents have opportunities to stay active, engaged and connected while enjoying the independence of maintenance-free living. Wendy’s personal fitness program adds another individualized resource to help residents pursue their own wellness goals.
Whether that means improving balance, building strength, maintaining mobility or simply feeling more confident getting up and moving each day, Wendy is ready to meet residents where they are.
This Healthy Aging Month, her advice is one we can all take to heart:
Keep moving. Keep going forward. And focus on what you can do.
To learn more about Knollwood Place Apartments and the programs, amenities and lifestyle available to residents, contact Sholom to schedule a visit and discover what it means to Find Your Belonging.