Bone Builders keeps seniors independent longer
Every Monday and Wednesday morning, a group of dedicated seniors gathers at the Lutsen Town Hall to lift weights, improve their balance, and build community. They’re called the Bone Builders, and there’s no cost to join.
“Bone Builders is a program that was started by Tufts University, and it was to delay or reverse osteoporosis,” said Sharon Hexum-Platzer, one of the group leaders. “Besides the strength building, we’re offering other opportunities [such as] socialization, because we need to connect with one another. We’ve changed it to five Bs not just two Bs. We have breathing, balance, butt, belly, and breathing.”
Bone Builders also provides some strength-building and balance improvement exercises that people can take home with them, or on the road.
The group is a Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) from Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency, which “enagages persons 55 and better in volunteer service to meet critical community needs and to provide a high-quality experience to enrich their lives.”
Bone Builders gets free use of the Lutsen Town Hall. “When I brought it to the town board–we have a nurse on our board as well as our EMTs–they said keep people safe as long as you can and build their strength,” said Hexum-Platzer. “Yes, use it for free.”
WTIP spoke with several Bone Builders participants about the benefits they’ve seen since joining the program.
“My bone density 3 years ago, when I started Bone Builders, was borderline osteoporosis,” said Rae Piepho from Lutsen. “When I had it checked 3 months ago, it was normal. So very, very thankful for Bone Builders, for our great leaders, for the camaraderie with these wonderful ladies.”
Bone Builders helped Lutsen’s Rene Swadberg with recovery from a serious knee injury. “Lots of tissue damage, lots of nerve damage. So I ended up with an orthopedic surgeon, and he was so impressed with Bone Builders,” she said. “He worked with me through physical therapy, and then he turned me loose a week early, because he knew I was involved in Bone Builders. I can’t say enough about it.”
Judy Motschenbacher of Lutsen said “I, too have had osteoporosis, moved back to osteopenia, which is very important for not breaking bones. One of my favorite things about coming here is being inspired by the people who are older. If they’re doing it, I can do it.”
Motschenbacher is also motivated to stay independent as long as possible. “One of the criteria for staying in assisted living is that you can have a one-person lift. If you need 2 people to lift you, you’ve got to go to the nursing home. So doing the squats, whether you like it or not, is very worthwhile,” she said.
“I’m willing to admit my age,” said Colleen Brennan from Lutsen. “I’m 83, and I’m proud to say, thanks to Bone Builders, that I’m still able to do downhill skiing. And that would never be possible if it weren’t for the fact that I’ve been able to build the strength in my legs through weightlifting and the different exercises we do,” she said. “I feel that I’m as strong as I’ve ever been. I’ve loved the friendships I’ve made.”
Asked about advice she’d have for someone considering joining Bone Builders, Brennan said, “Oh, gosh, there’s nothing negative about being a member of this. It’s all positive. People can come in and go at their own speed and then continue to make progress, but there’s no pressure.”
“It’s good for us physically, mentally, and socially,” said Lutsen’s Mary Brislance. “I like the fact that we have a variety of ages, starting in the 50s to some of us who are in our 80s. It is good for the body and the soul, and I have met lots of West End people here that I never knew before, and they’re all wonderful.”
Bone Builders meets every Monday and Wednesday at Lutsen Town Hall from 10-11am.
Chuck Olsen June 11, 2025
