On Engaging the Elderly in Exercise Programming

We all know the importance of exercise to improve health, prevent falls and improve the overall quality of life for the elderly. The challenge is in motivating this population to participate and do so to the best of their ability. The goals of an exercise regiment cannot be achieved without the participants’ full engagement..

The development of an exercise program inspired by classical music and movement created a means by which the elderly (even those afflicted with Alzheimer’s or other dementias) would be lured into active participation. Along with the exercises an inviting non-threatening approach had to be developed. After all, there are a multitude of reasons why the elderly especially the frail elderly are reluctant to participate.

Based on the concept of Empathic Engagement this approach looks at the causes of apathy and non-participation. With an understanding of the aging process and the conditions which often accompany aging we may know how the prospective participant might feel about taking part in activities especially something new. For the memory impaired any activity may seem like having to learn something new! It is much easier to just say “No” then to risk failure, frustration, pain or simply the unknown. Empathic Engagement is a concept in which the teacher or leader feels or knows what another is feeling and reacts appropriately to produce the desired result. In the case of the elderly person who might be apprehensive all effort must be made to make him or her feel safe, non-threatened and loved. Interestingly this empathy goes both ways. That is to say, the participant often will absorb the leader’s attitude and reflect it back. For example when the leader emits a warm, friendly or joyful feeling the group will often “catch” these feelings and mirror them. It is true that a smile is contagious.

The program is called Benevolent Ballet-Fall Prevention for the Elderly. With a teaching approach that fully integrates beautiful music, exercise and empathic engagement, the class has a mind/body experience and is magically transformed. Flat demeanors are enlivened and dull eyes brighten. With increased alertness the participants work to fulfill their maximum potential.