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Healthy Aging Physical Therapy
Healthy Aging Physical Therapy
CONTACT INFORMATION AND NEW PATIENT FORMS
Contact + Forms
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Insurance and Payment for Services
In the News
New Patient Registration
Mission and Core Values
OUR TEAM
About Dr. Katie Wadland, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Allison Leonard, PT, DPT
About Dr. Jennifer Cairney, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Sharon Taylor, PT, DPT
About Dr. Mary Kate Grace, PT, DPT
About Dr. Tracey Berman, PT, DPT
About Jessica Tries, LPTA
About Dr. Brittany Saia, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Cara Dewey, PT, MSPT
About Dr. Meaghan Williams, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Heidi Casamasima, PT, DPT
About Shannon Hardy, MS, OTR/L
About Meghan Treem, MS, OTR/L
About Erin Krause, OTR/L
HAPT Personal Training Team
HAPT Office Team
PHYSICAL THERAPY
What is Outpatient at Home Physical Therapy?
Conditions Frequently Treated
Balance and Falls
Vestibular Therapy
Amazon Product Links
Home Exercise Videos
Safe Falling for Older Adults Workshop
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Home Safety Assessment
What is Outpatient at Home Occupational Therapy?
Amazon Product Links
Home Exercise Videos
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Parkinson's Disease Therapy
PWR! Moves Therapy
POWER over Parkinson's Group Class
Falling Safely with Parkinson's Disease 9/23/23 Workshop
Safe Falling for Older Adults Workshop
WELLNESS365
COMPLEX CARE + FAMILY SUPPORT
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POWER over Parkinson's Group Class
Fit and Fearless
OSTEOCLUB VIRTUAL CLASSES
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Healthy Aging Physical Therapy
Healthy Aging Physical Therapy
CONTACT INFORMATION AND NEW PATIENT FORMS
Contact + Forms
Service Area
Insurance and Payment for Services
In the News
New Patient Registration
Mission and Core Values
OUR TEAM
About Dr. Katie Wadland, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Allison Leonard, PT, DPT
About Dr. Jennifer Cairney, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Sharon Taylor, PT, DPT
About Dr. Mary Kate Grace, PT, DPT
About Dr. Tracey Berman, PT, DPT
About Jessica Tries, LPTA
About Dr. Brittany Saia, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Cara Dewey, PT, MSPT
About Dr. Meaghan Williams, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Heidi Casamasima, PT, DPT
About Shannon Hardy, MS, OTR/L
About Meghan Treem, MS, OTR/L
About Erin Krause, OTR/L
HAPT Personal Training Team
HAPT Office Team
PHYSICAL THERAPY
What is Outpatient at Home Physical Therapy?
Conditions Frequently Treated
Balance and Falls
Vestibular Therapy
Amazon Product Links
Home Exercise Videos
Safe Falling for Older Adults Workshop
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Home Safety Assessment
What is Outpatient at Home Occupational Therapy?
Amazon Product Links
Home Exercise Videos
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Parkinson's Disease Therapy
PWR! Moves Therapy
POWER over Parkinson's Group Class
Falling Safely with Parkinson's Disease 9/23/23 Workshop
Safe Falling for Older Adults Workshop
WELLNESS365
COMPLEX CARE + FAMILY SUPPORT
GROUP FITNESS IN-PERSON CLASSES
In-Person Fitness Classes
POWER over Parkinson's Group Class
Fit and Fearless
OSTEOCLUB VIRTUAL CLASSES
BLOG
Blog
Healthy Aging Topics
Subscribe
CAREERS WITH HAPT
Personal Trainers
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
TESTIMONIALS + REVIEWS
CONSULTING SERVICES
Folder: CONTACT INFORMATION AND NEW PATIENT FORMS
Back
Contact + Forms
Service Area
Insurance and Payment for Services
In the News
New Patient Registration
Mission and Core Values
Folder: OUR TEAM
Back
About Dr. Katie Wadland, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Allison Leonard, PT, DPT
About Dr. Jennifer Cairney, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Sharon Taylor, PT, DPT
About Dr. Mary Kate Grace, PT, DPT
About Dr. Tracey Berman, PT, DPT
About Jessica Tries, LPTA
About Dr. Brittany Saia, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Cara Dewey, PT, MSPT
About Dr. Meaghan Williams, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Heidi Casamasima, PT, DPT
About Shannon Hardy, MS, OTR/L
About Meghan Treem, MS, OTR/L
About Erin Krause, OTR/L
HAPT Personal Training Team
HAPT Office Team
Folder: PHYSICAL THERAPY
Back
What is Outpatient at Home Physical Therapy?
Conditions Frequently Treated
Balance and Falls
Vestibular Therapy
Amazon Product Links
Home Exercise Videos
Safe Falling for Older Adults Workshop
Folder: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Back
Home Safety Assessment
What is Outpatient at Home Occupational Therapy?
Amazon Product Links
Home Exercise Videos
Folder: PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Back
Parkinson's Disease Therapy
PWR! Moves Therapy
POWER over Parkinson's Group Class
Falling Safely with Parkinson's Disease 9/23/23 Workshop
Safe Falling for Older Adults Workshop
WELLNESS365
COMPLEX CARE + FAMILY SUPPORT
Folder: GROUP FITNESS IN-PERSON CLASSES
Back
In-Person Fitness Classes
POWER over Parkinson's Group Class
Fit and Fearless
OSTEOCLUB VIRTUAL CLASSES
Folder: BLOG
Back
Blog
Healthy Aging Topics
Subscribe
Folder: CAREERS WITH HAPT
Back
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Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
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CONSULTING SERVICES
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Health, Wellness & Exercise
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Featured
The Science of Socialization
Apr 28, 2025
The Science of Socialization
Apr 28, 2025

Friendship isn’t just good for the soul — it’s essential for healthy aging. Discover the surprising science behind socialization, its impact on your brain, body, and heart, and why nurturing connection is one of the most powerful ways to thrive at any age.

Read More →
Apr 28, 2025
Unlocking Cognitive Fitness: 6 Steps to Optimize Brain Health
Nov 28, 2024
Unlocking Cognitive Fitness: 6 Steps to Optimize Brain Health
Nov 28, 2024

Boost Your Brain Health with These 6 Proven Steps

Discover how to maintain cognitive fitness and build your brain’s resilience with actionable steps backed by science. Learn how exercise, nutrition, quality sleep, stress management, social connections, and lifelong learning can enhance cognitive reserve and support healthy aging. Start your journey to better brain health today with these expert tips and the Wellness365 program.

Read More →
Nov 28, 2024
The Overflowing Cup and Your Nervous System
Nov 17, 2024
The Overflowing Cup and Your Nervous System
Nov 17, 2024

"Discover how simple, consistent actions like deep breathing, walking outdoors, or practicing yoga can transform your well-being. Start small, build one habit at a time, and watch your nervous system thrive. Learn more about creating space in your cup for life's challenges."

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Nov 17, 2024
Mastering Your Fitness Routine: Simple Ways to Meet WHO & CDC Exercise Guidelines at Any Age
Sep 16, 2024
Mastering Your Fitness Routine: Simple Ways to Meet WHO & CDC Exercise Guidelines at Any Age
Sep 16, 2024

Finding time for exercise can be challenging, but adapting the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to fit your lifestyle is key. This guide breaks down how to achieve 150 minutes of aerobic activity and 2-3 days of strength training per week, tailored for various fitness levels. Learn how to integrate balance and flexibility exercises into your routine and discover practical tips for staying active, whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your current routine. Check out the Move Your Way Activity Planner for a personalized approach, and explore resources like our Club HAPT for strength training and PWR! Moves for Parkinson’s. Start fitting exercise into your week today and enjoy the many benefits of staying active!

Read More →
Sep 16, 2024
Exercise Intensity and Older Adults: Finding the Balance
Jul 18, 2024
Exercise Intensity and Older Adults: Finding the Balance
Jul 18, 2024

You’ve done it! You started your exercise routine and you’re sticking with it (well, most of the time.) But are you getting the most out of yourself and the full impact that exercise can achieve? In this post, we’ll discuss exercise intensity, and if it’s safe when considering exercise in older adults.

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Jul 18, 2024
Essential Summer Exercise Tips for Older Adults: Stay Safe and Healthy in the Heat
Jul 15, 2024
Essential Summer Exercise Tips for Older Adults: Stay Safe and Healthy in the Heat
Jul 15, 2024

Discover effective strategies to reduce back pain and enhance your quality of life. Learn about common causes such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, and find out how aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching can help alleviate discomfort. Get tips on safe exercise practices, diet, and sleep positions to support a healthy back. Enjoy your favorite activities pain-free with these expert-backed solutions.

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Jul 15, 2024
Enjoy Summer WITHOUT Back Pain: Effective Strategies to Reduce Back Pain in Older Adults
Jun 27, 2024
Enjoy Summer WITHOUT Back Pain: Effective Strategies to Reduce Back Pain in Older Adults
Jun 27, 2024

Discover effective strategies to reduce back pain and enhance your quality of life. Learn about common causes such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, and find out how aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching can help alleviate discomfort. Get tips on safe exercise practices, diet, and sleep positions to support a healthy back. Enjoy your favorite activities pain-free with these expert-backed solutions.

Read More →
Jun 27, 2024
Staying Hydrated: A Vital Guide for Older Adults During the Summer Heat
May 29, 2024
Staying Hydrated: A Vital Guide for Older Adults During the Summer Heat
May 29, 2024

While it may be ‘hot girl summer’ everywhere else you look, here over at Healthy Aging, we’re entering ‘hot patient summer’ season. Last week, as temperatures climbed, I challenged my Parkinson’s class to a drinking contest - except instead of chugging beers, we tried to finish a bottle of water between exercises. While for most people, summer heat brings thoughts of bathing suits, pool parties and barbeques, for me, and most of my home health colleagues, we go to thoughts of dehydration, low blood pressures and passing out. So, as the summer heat approaches, I want to talk to you today about staying hydrated. Hydration over the summer is crucial for everyone, but especially older adults. Dehydration can lead to serious health complications, but with a few simple strategies, it’s easy to stay hydrated and healthy throughout the season.

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May 29, 2024
5 Things to Know about Exercise and Depression in Older Adults
May 9, 2024
5 Things to Know about Exercise and Depression in Older Adults
May 9, 2024

Discover the powerful link between exercise and mental health in older adults. Learn how staying active can combat depression and improve overall well-being. Explore effective strategies to incorporate exercise into daily routines for a happier, healthier life.

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May 9, 2024
May Staff Meeting Updates
May 4, 2023
May Staff Meeting Updates
May 4, 2023

May Staff Meeting Update

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May 4, 2023
How NOT to Fall on the Ice this Winter
Feb 8, 2023
How NOT to Fall on the Ice this Winter
Feb 8, 2023

How to AVOID Falling on the Ice this Winter

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Feb 8, 2023
How do we RETRAIN the BRAIN?
Feb 2, 2023
How do we RETRAIN the BRAIN?
Feb 2, 2023

Ever wonder how to RETRAIN the BRAIN? Read on learn all about the wonderful world of NEUROPLASTICITY….

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Feb 2, 2023
How to Reduce Your Chance of Dying from Covid-19
Dec 28, 2022
How to Reduce Your Chance of Dying from Covid-19
Dec 28, 2022

Two recent studies came out that I think every Adult over 50 should know about. Read on for a brief review of these two journal articles + 5 simple strategies to improve your daily physical activity level to REDUCE your chance of death and disability from Covid-19.

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Dec 28, 2022
Healthy Aging Made Simple in Five Easy Steps
Oct 10, 2021
Healthy Aging Made Simple in Five Easy Steps
Oct 10, 2021

If there is one thing we can’t avoid, it’s aging. Every day, every minute, every second…you, me and everyone around us is getting older. Whether you’re 30, 50 or 85, the decisions we make every day contribute to the trajectory of our aging process. While we’re all guilty of trying to find the easy answer, the bad news is that Healthy Aging is a lifestyle, not a magic pill. The good news is that solution is actually pretty simple, and truth be told, you probably already know the answer. And if you don’t…don’t worry, I got you covered:)

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Oct 10, 2021
exercise older adult
Jun 24, 2021
How Can Physical Therapy and Regular Exercise Help Older Adults?
Jun 24, 2021

People often think of physical therapists as the go-to people to treat musculoskeletal pain, but physical therapy has much to offer beyond pain management, especially when it comes to the older adult. Read on for 5 Ways Physical Therapy and Exercise can help you live your best life as you age.

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Jun 24, 2021
Be like a kid.
Mar 14, 2021
Be like a kid.
Mar 14, 2021

Sometimes the best advice comes from the least expected places. This week, I bring you wise words from my seven year old, as she taught me how to ‘relax’ by dancing on our back deck:

“Let me show you how to be a kid. You just do the things your body tells you to do - the fun things!”

Healthy kids don’t have to set aside time to exercise, because exercise is simply part of their everyday life. They move constantly. They fidget, they chase their friends, they play sports and take gymnastics classes and dance.

As adults, sometimes, we too often stop doing all the ‘fun things’ our body tells us to do. We replace the fun things with work, and stress, and sitting and to-do lists. We have to schedule exercise in, just to get it done.

But what if we started looking at exercise like a kid again?

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Mar 14, 2021
help with walking
Mar 8, 2021
Should I use a Cane or a Walker?
Mar 8, 2021

FAQ: Should I use a Cane or a Walker?

The answer is...it depends! (This is every physical therapist's favorite answer, by the way...)

As a Geriatric Physical Therapist, I spend oodles of time talking about assistive devices. Whether it’s working to wean off of one, or educating my patient on the importance of using one, my day-to-day includes much talk of canes, walkers, wheelchairs and the like. But like most things in PT-world, the who-gets-what assistive device conversation is never black and white, but here are a few things I think about when deciding which assistive device to recommend.

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Mar 8, 2021
What is Health Literacy - and Why Does it Matter?
Feb 7, 2021
What is Health Literacy - and Why Does it Matter?
Feb 7, 2021

During a library talk last week, I spoke on the topic of Health Literacy. The day I was scheduled to present, I found myself dealing with a real-life example with a patient of why having a good grasp on health literacy is so critical to healthy aging. During our visit, I realized my patient had been taking double the dose of her prescribed medication - not out of any error on her part, but because she had two prescriptions on file for the same medication, one for the generic version, and one for the brand name - and she was unaware they were the same drug. How does this happen? How does it get by so many layers of well-meaning and conscientious health care professionals and hospital settings? Unfortunately, this stuff happens, and happens all too often, because there are a lot of ‘cooks in the kitchen’ and because all of us ‘cooks’ are human and we make mistakes. But this, this is why it is so imperative for you as the consumer, as the patient, to have an adequate level of health literacy - so you can be your own advocate, so you can be on the lookout for these human errors and so you can play an active, instead of passive, role in your own health maintenance.

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Feb 7, 2021
https://goo.gl/maps/UQEjtWxb3oyQpSZD6
Jan 16, 2021
Have an (Exercise) Snack..
Jan 16, 2021
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Jan 16, 2021
Happy New Year - and the Rule of Fives
Jan 4, 2021
Happy New Year - and the Rule of Fives
Jan 4, 2021

I’ve gone back and forth what to post all day. Do I do the thing ‘I’m supposed to do’ and post a nice ‘Happy New Year you graphic? Do I write about how guilty I feel thinking about expressing gratitude to have made it through this year relatively scratch-free, when I’ve seen so many friends struggle with loss this year? Do I sit back and make Big Goals and Resolutions then share them with the world? (The possibilities are endless..)

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Jan 4, 2021
Deep Thoughts at the Dentist
Dec 27, 2020
Deep Thoughts at the Dentist
Dec 27, 2020

Guys I have a confession to make…

I haven’t been to the dentist in over a year. Between Covid-related closures and life, it just didn’t happen. But I went this morning, and am so glad I did. And it got me thinking about a few things.

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Dec 27, 2020
Nov 16, 2020
Diabetes 101
Nov 16, 2020

Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States, and the numbers of people living with Diabetes are increasing. Since I’ve been alive (I’m under 40, but over 35 for those of you wondering..), the number of cases of diabetes have QUADRUPLED. Trends project that by 2050, 1 out of ever 3 American adults will have Diabetes. 

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Nov 16, 2020
Sep 28, 2020
STRESS!!! Three Easy Changes You Can Make Today to Decrease your Stress and Improve Your Health
Sep 28, 2020

Anyone out there feeling extra stressed lately? No? Just me? Great…

In reality, I think I’d be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t been unusually stressed out this year. 2020 has been a veritable buffet of stressors - there’s been something for absolutely everybody. Job insecurity? Check. Overworked and underprotected? Check. Fear for your children? Check. Fear for your aging parents? Check. Fear of death or disability from a mysterious illness no one fully understands that is spreading like wildfire through the world? CHECK! Loneliness, isolation or stuck in the house with your entire family for months on end? Check, check and check. For even the most stoic of individuals, 2020 has shaken us to our core, and more than likely, given each of us more than our fair share of things to worry about.

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Sep 28, 2020
Sep 7, 2020
Benefits of Physical Activity, some thoughts about Intensity and How to Cut Your Risk of Premature Death by 33%
Sep 7, 2020

So I’ve been researching the benefits of physical activity on healthy aging a lot lately. Of course, as a PT, I’m well-aware that exercise is good and we should all be doing it, but I’ve been doing a deeper dig lately into the actual specific effects on our health as I develop my therapy programs. Beyond identifying the benefits, the next step is learning how acheive them. This has led me to topic of intensity. Yes, for those of you who know me, you can stop your snickering, I’m aware I can be a *little* intense sometimes and you may find the idea of me actually having to put research into this topic a little amusing. But in reality, the topic of intensity is actually quite pertinent to healthy aging. You see, the older adult is chronically underdosed in exercise intensity by well-meaning therapy clinicians and the medical profession in general when it comes to exercise prescription. Underdosing translates into wasted efforts, and poorer health outcomes. I want better for my patients.

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Sep 7, 2020
Aug 18, 2020
the HAE Senior Fitness Assessment
Aug 18, 2020

Curious how you stack up against the competition or just want to find out if there are areas you could improve on. Sign up for a HAE Senior Fitness Assessment. On the day of your assessment, I will meet with you in your home to discuss your goals, your health history and will perform a thorough physical fitness assessment that day. Here are some of the areas I will be assessing:

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Aug 18, 2020
Aug 18, 2020
What is ‘Functional Strengthening?’ And Why You Should Care About It.
Aug 18, 2020

Think for a minute, then tell me what the most difficult thing you do in your house is each day? Is it taking out the trash? Or getting in and out of the shower? Of lifting that heavy jug of water? Now think about that task, and try to tell me what makes it so hard. Does it challenge your strength? Your endurance? Your balance? Maybe all of the above?

Read More →
Aug 18, 2020

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Healthy Aging Physical Therapy provides at-home physical and occupational therapy and wellness in Wakefield, Lynnfield, Saugus, Middleton, Reading, North Reading, Woburn, Peabody, Melrose, Malden, Winchester, Stoneham, Medford, Arlington and Belmont, Massachusetts.

Disclaimer: The content of this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The exercises demonstrated in our videos and live classes are for informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or concerns. Stop any exercise that causes discomfort and seek medical attention if necessary. The creator is not liable for any injuries or damages resulting from the use of the information provided. Reliance on any information provided by HAE/PT, LLC website is solely at your own risk. Terms of Service.

Healthy Aging Physical Therapy is being used for marketing purposes: The legal name of this practice is HAE/PT, LLC.

3 Jessica Lane, Wakefield, MA 01880 | (617) 398 - 4508 | katie@healthyagingpt.com