Lecture 15 Flashcards
best practices for physical activity programs for seniors
- Multidimensional programming – include ALL
components - Include principles of behavior change – social
support, self-efficacy, contracts, positive reinforcement - Manage risk by beginning with low intensity and
build to moderate - Have an emergency procedure plan
- Monitor aerobic intensity
interacting with clients
-Phone contact – not pushy – making sure your program will meet their needs -Professional, interested, engaged -Friendly and open -Class contact – greet people -Tell them what to expect -Take time to answer questions -First class for everyone? Ice breaker games?
step one
-Community Needs Assessment – are there seniors in your neighbourhood? -Are there existing programs in your neighbourhood? -Is there a need for a program? If yes – become visible! Give a talk, do an activity or special event…
step two
-Using feedback from your initial contact with potential participants, establish your program goals – what needs do you want to meet? Options: -Cardio dance -Strength level of intensity -Relaxation special population -Flexibility Socialization -Cognitive combination -Land/water
how to choose a facility
Considerations:
-Accessibility (washrooms, doors, proximity of class
to entrance…_
-Parking or transit
-Safety (surfaces, lighting etc.)
-Sound or other sensory input
-Other people in facility (kids, bodybuilders)
-Temperature control, phone, water, close
washrooms
step four
-Find people to attend
-How would you advertise your new program
or class?
-Location, location, location…
traditonal and newer approaches to marketing
-Networking and partnering
-Offer promotions – bring a friend, referrals…
-Traditional media – TV, Radio, newspaper,
posters, flyers
-Social media, social marketing
keeping adults interested
-Besides offering a solid class and having a
great personality, what else can you do?
-Keep in contact (yourself or classmates –
text, e-mail, phone)
-Educate them – offer materials, connect to
other learning, websites
-Show their improvements
-Work towards a shared goal (attendance?
Weight lifted? Fundraising?)
-Parties
senior living environments
- Community living – own house, condo,
apartment – services outside of residence
(meals on wheels or home care) - Retirement residence/community – some
services – housekeeping, meals, recreation - Supportive housing – 24 hour supervision
with some assistance for ongoing health
conditions (WRHA) - Long term care (nursing home)
independent retirement residence
-Buildings or communities with age restrictions (usually 55+) -Often have multi-purpose rooms or small exercise rooms -Seems ideal to run a successful program – location and captive audience (location, location, location)
supportive housing or long term care
-Much more communal environment
because of shared meals
-Often have a daily, weekly and monthly
activity schedule
considerations when programming in LTC
-LTC are closely regulated
-No one wants injuries or complaint from
residents or family members
-Ethics of participation (can staff wheel a
person down to a program?)
-Staff dynamics and attitudes may support or hinder the program (staff doesn’t want more work or complaints)
successful programs
- create a sense of community
- welcoming environment
- encourage friendships
- understand challenges
encourage friendship
- Manipulate seating plans to intro new people
- partner work
- Activities that promote interaction
- Acknowledge absence of members
- Show compassion, take time with people
understand challenges: some common challenges
- Anxiety O Hyperactivity O Confusion O Embarrassment O Loneliness O Lack of purpose O Wandering O Short attention span O Low self esteem
