Choose to Move is an evidence-informed physical activity program that empowers people over 55 to become and stay physically active and socially connected. The program is delivered through activity coaches who provide motivation and support to help participants create and maintain personalized physical activity plans tailored to their interests, abilities, and goals.

Choose to Move is designed for people over 55 who are currently inactive (engaging in less than 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week). The program particularly benefits those looking to increase their physical activity and enhance social connections in their community.

The standard Choose to Move program runs for 3 months. It includes a one-on-one meeting between the activity coach and each participant and 8 group meetings with other participants, facilitated by the activity coach.

It is completely free for participants!

Organizations receive funding from the Active Aging Society to deliver Choose to Move.

Research shows that Choose to Move participants experience improvements in physical activity levels, mobility, social connectedness, and overall quality of life. Many participants report increased confidence, reduced feelings of isolation, and new friendships formed through the program.

Organizations interested in delivering Choose to Move can apply through our Partnership Application process. Eligible partners include community centers, recreation facilities, seniors’ organizations, and healthcare providers that serve people over 55. Visit our Partnership Process page for detailed information.

Partner organizations receive comprehensive training for activity coaches, program implementation materials, ongoing technical support, evaluation tools, and opportunities to connect with other delivery partners. Our team works closely with each organization to ensure successful program implementation, including considerations associated with promotion and recruitment, program adaptations, managing staff and setting up additional training.

Activity coaches should have experience working with people over 55, an awareness of physical activity programs and services in their community and strong communication and facilitation skills. All coaches receive specialized training in the Choose to Move approach, motivational interviewing techniques, and supporting older adult participants. Those leading ethnoculturally adapted programs should have competency in the language.

Funding for the program is provided by the Active Aging Society. The funding provided may vary based on your organization’s structure and existing resources. Key considerations include staff time for activity coaches, administrative support, promotion and recruitment.

Choose to Move uses a comprehensive evaluation framework that tracks participant outcomes, including physical activity levels, mobility, social connectedness, and quality of life. Partner organizations receive tools to collect and report data, which helps demonstrate program impact and supports continuous improvement.