Active Living Program News
Award-Winning Program Gets Seniors off Their Rockers
One of the innovator award winners at the recent International Council of Active Aging (ICAA) conference activates sedentary older adults with a revolutionary habit-changing program. Kisco Senior Living helps residents and staff members build physical activity into their lifestyles through the Active Living Every Day program.
Offered through Kisco’s award-winning Healthy Strides wellness program, Active Living Every Day teaches adults important techniques to make physical activity stick. “Many residents use our Keiser equipment and NuSteps,” states Kirsten Jewell, director of Healthy Strides, “but the Active Living Every Day program allows us to reach out to the people who haven’t been taking advantage of our fitness programs.”
Active Living Every Day has been particularly effective among older adults because it addresses the participants’ diverse needs—from individuals who have never been physically active and may be intimidated by fitness equipment to those with physical challenges. “For some residents, just getting up and walking to the dining room is a challenge,” explains Jewell. “This program builds from the smallest of successes and encourages people to do what they enjoy, whether that’s walking with their grandchildren or participating in balance classes. The goal for older adults is not only better health but also increased independence.”
Kisco’s Healthy Strides team facilitates the Active Living Every Day program at Kisco’s residences throughout the United States. Weekly meetings include discussions and activities, such as overcoming barriers to activity, setting realistic goals, rewarding positive behavior, finding support, and recovering from lapses. “Older adults often have health barriers and other barriers,” adds Jewell, “but group members quickly find support among other members with similar challenges. The collaboration seems to be a key motivational factor.”
Jewell accepted the ICAA Industry Innovators Award on behalf of Kisco Senior Living at Active Aging 2005: The Tipping Point, the ICAA’s conference in Orlando, Florida, December 1 to 3.
The Active Living Every Day program was developed with The Cooper Institute and is offered online and through worksites, public health organizations, hospitals, and fitness facilities throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, contact Active Living Partners at 800-747-4457 x2319 or visit their Web site at www.ActiveLiving.info.
For more information about Kisco Senior Living and the Healthy Strides program, contact Kirsten Jewell at 760-804-7052 or visit www.kiscoseniorliving.com. ICAA Conference information is available at www.icaa.cc or 866-335-9777.
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