How To Motivate Residents To Exercise

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We all know the myriad of benefits that come with exercise. These benefits are available to our residents, too. Yet, often it’s very difficult to motivate residents to take part in our exercise programs. 

Of course, residents have the right to choose not to exercise. However, I believe we can have an enormous impact on a resident’s decision to do something that can make such a significant difference in the quality of their life.

Let’s begin with these 12 ways we can encourage exercise. I would love to hear your ideas, too!

Share the benefits

People, in general, are usually a lot more willing to do something if they understand how it will benefit them. As an example, many elderly people have a fear of falling. If you educate them on how balance and strengthening exercises can help prevent falls, they’ll probably be more receptive.

In addition, many of our older residents lived in a culture where people worked hard physically all day long. They didn’t set aside a specific time to exercise like we do today. As a result, they might not be aware of all the benefits of a formal exercise program.

Set goals

Help residents set goals they want to accomplish through their exercise programs. These goals need to be meaningful to each resident.

Perhaps one person might want to walk down to the childcare center to watch the kids play. Another might hope to sleep better at night after exercising during the day.

Be sure the goals are specific and realistic. Start slowly so they don’t become discouraged. And remember to cheer them on and celebrate with residents when they reach their goals.

Learn their history

Find out what each resident enjoyed doing for exercise in the past. Then help them incorporate this activity into their new community. For example, if a resident customarily went for a walk every day, perhaps they could help take the facility dog for walks.

Provide options

Offer a variety of exercise options and see which ones the residents enjoy the most. This might include chair yoga, tai chi, stretching, lifting light weights, or dance.

If you don’t have experience in some of these exercise routines, you can find excellent videos online or through your local library. Also, consider inviting guests to come in and do class demonstrations.

Get families involved

Let families know how they can help their loved ones meet their exercise goals. For example, encourage grandkids to initiate physical activities when they visit. This could be something as simple as playing catch with a beach ball, doing simple exercise videos together, or playing balloon volleyball using fly swatters.

Break it up

Some residents might not tolerate an entire 30-minute exercise class. Yet, they might be willing to do 10 minutes of exercise 3 times a day or 15 minutes of exercise twice a day.

Disguise the exercise 

Residents don’t necessarily need to take part in a formal class to get exercise. Consider offering games that involve physical movement. Or encourage residents to help with tasks around the facility such as gardening, sweeping, or raking leaves.

Include younger people

I find our residents are a lot more eager to exercise when the kids from the children’s center join them. Also, consider inviting high school or college student volunteers to lead exercise groups.

Get all staff involved

Remind staff of the many benefits of residents taking part in exercise programs. For example, residents require less physical care when they’re stronger and more flexible.

Make staff aware of available exercise options each day. This enables them to encourage their residents to attend and cheer them on when they make progress.

Combine exercise with other activities

Use exercises as a natural break during regular group activities. As an example, you could put on some music and do a few stretching exercises between games of Bingo. Or, you could make it a practice to start or end certain activities with a few minutes of fun exercises.

Offer prizes

Pass out participation tickets whenever a resident attends an exercise class. At the end of a specified time, let residents enter their tickets into a prize drawing. Or, you could set up a little shop where they can spend their tickets.

Change it up

Provide variety so exercise sessions don’t become boring. For example, you might move an exercise class outdoors on a beautiful summer morning. Or, you could invite facility managers to take turns leading your exercise group.

 

What do you do to motivate your residents to exercise? Please share your suggestions in the comment section so we all can learn from each other!

 

Did you find this article helpful? Then I think you’ll also enjoy another popular post: How To Encourage Activity Participation.