This page is for activity directors, life enrichment coordinators, senior center program staff, and volunteers who lead groups at libraries, churches and 55+ communities. Everything here is free to print, copy and use with your group.
Free program kit
Group Session Plan: Seated Movement
A 30-minute template with setup, outline and safety stop signs.
Your participants may also like the large-print printables: the medication list, meal planner, habit tracker and travel packing list make good handouts.
Running a seated movement session
- Follow your community’s clearance policy. Encourage participants to check with their own doctors, and keep the session gentle.
- Chairs matter. Use sturdy chairs without wheels, on a non-slip floor. Park walkers in front of the chairs with the brakes locked. Participants should never sit on a rollator seat to exercise.
- Offer three levels of every movement: a gentle version, a steady version and a stronger version. Invite people to choose. No one should feel behind.
- Cue breathing. Remind the group to breathe normally and never hold their breath.
- Keep it social. Five minutes of conversation at the end is often the part people remember.
- Know when to stop. Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, new sharp pain or sudden confusion means stop and follow your emergency procedure.
Conversation circles from the blog
Every True Course blog post ends with a question, and each one works as a discussion prompt. Read the post aloud, share the tip, then open the floor. The free Conversation Circle Starters sheet has twenty more.
Evidence-based programs and training
If you want to offer a formal program, these are well established. Several require trained leaders or licensing, so check each program’s requirements.
- NCOA: Evidence-based programsA directory of tested health promotion and falls prevention programs for older adults, with details on training and licensing.ncoa.org
- Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better BalanceAn evidence-based tai chi program for fall prevention, with instructor training.tjqmbb.org
- A Matter of BalanceA group program that reduces fear of falling and increases activity levels, led by trained coaches.mainehealth.org
- Walk With Ease (group format)The Arthritis Foundation walking program can also be run as a group.arthritis.org
- EnhanceFitnessAn evidence-based group exercise program for older adults.projectenhance.org
- NCCAPThe National Certification Council for Activity Professionals, which certifies activity directors and activity professionals.nccap.org
Books for your group
Chair Tai Chi for Seniors Over 60 includes a note for group leaders, plus three levels for every movement. It’s large print throughout, with every movement illustrated full page. For group or bulk copies for your community, email support@truecourseliving.com. The free companion downloads include a one-page chart that works well on a wall.
Tell me what would help
What handout or session plan would make your job easier? Write to me and I’ll try to build it.
Get the free True Course Starter Kit
Join the weekly email and I'll send you a 15-page large-print kit: Who to Call, My Medication List, the Home Safety Walk-Through and the Doctor Visit Planner, each with a page of practical tips, plus a bonus Grab-and-Go Folder checklist you won't find anywhere else on the site.
After that, one email a week: a practical tip and the Question of the Week. Unsubscribe anytime with one click.
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A new tip every morning
Each morning at 8:00 Central, I share one practical tip for the good years ahead. Follow along wherever you like to read:
Want something to keep by your chair? The free large-print printables are yours to download, with no sign-up.