One way Friends Life Care helps members thrive and age well is through our VigR® wellness program. VigR® stands for Vitality, Independence, Growth, and Resilience™. The philosophy behind the senior wellness program focuses on maintaining a healthy, active, and fulfilling life through a holistic approach to aging. Rather than focusing on just physical health, VigR® encourages well-being across the seven dimensions of wellness: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, vocational, environmental, and spiritual. 

VigR® programming offers members a wide variety of educational opportunities, including workshops, seminars, classes, and health and wellness assessments designed specifically for older adults. Just as importantly, VigR® provides opportunities for members to connect with one another through engaging social events, helping foster meaningful relationships while exploring new places and experiences throughout the Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware region. 

Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania 

During the past winter holiday season, Friends Life Care members joined us in Bryn Athyn, PA, for a private guided tour of the Glencairn Museum, the former home of the Pitcairn family. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of artwork and religious artifacts from around the world, including stunning stained glass panels dating from 1140–1145 CE. 

A wonderful group of members joined us for the tour and asked our extremely knowledgeable guides thoughtful questions about both the remarkable collection and the family who once lived there. It was a great opportunity to learn about history, architecture, and art while the museum was beautifully decorated for the holiday season. 

Rockwood Park and Museum in Wilmington, Delaware 

In the spring, Friends Life Care’s VigR® senior wellness program hosted its next expert-led guided tour at Rockwood Park & Museum in Wilmington, Delaware. The experience included three main stops. Members explored the Rockwood Mansion, where they learned about its architecture, family history, and the fascinating stories of the Shipley, Bringhurst, and Hargraves families who once called it home. 

The tour also highlighted the Servants of Rockwood, offering a glimpse into the people whose daily work kept the estate operating behind the scenes. The final stop took members through Rockwood’s Historic Gardens, where they learned about the property’s horticultural legacy and beautifully preserved landscapes. 

The event concluded with light refreshments, giving members the opportunity to gather together and continue conversations about the tour.

Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden in Villanova, Pennsylvania 

To kick off the summer, we invited members to join us for our next event at Stoneleigh: a Natural Garden in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Once a grand Main Line estate, Stoneleigh has been transformed into a vibrant public garden dedicated to native plants and ecological stewardship. As the Natural Lands website explains, “Stoneleigh celebrates the beauty and importance of the natural world and inspires the cultivation of native plants for the benefit of all.” 

During the guided tour, members learned about the property’s native plants, stately trees, and historic landscapes designed by the Olmsted Brothers, all of which have been thoughtfully reimagined into a beautiful and biodiverse haven for people, wildlife, and the native plants that grow there. One of the highlights of the day was touring the spectacular Tudor Revival Main House, which is only open during special events. Throughout the experience, members had the opportunity to ask questions about the local wildlife, trees, and the history of this remarkable property. 

These events are just some examples of how our VigR® senior wellness program encourages social connection and new experiences. 

Click Here to Learn More About The VigR® Senior Wellness Program