Discover how our evidence-based program helps people over 55 become more active and connected.
What is Choose to Move?
Choose to Move is a free and flexible program that provides participants with motivation and support to become more physically active and socially connected. Choose to Move can help participants integrate activity into their daily routine, meet new friends, and make a positive change to their lifestyle. The program helps people over 55 identify ways to include more activity in their daily lives in ways that make sense for them. Choose to Move can support people over 55 to become active, regardless of ability.
What Choose to Move is NOT
Choose to Move is NOT a regular fitness program – participants do not meet to exercise together.
Choose to Move is NOT a structured personal training program, rather it provides participants with motivation and resources to build more physical activity into their daily routine.
What support do participants receive?
In this 3-month program, participants work with a trained activity coach to develop a personalized physical activity plan to meet their health goals. Participants choose activities that they will enjoy and are able to do. Choose to Move participants receive one-on-one and group support over 3-months, including:
1. One-on-one Consultation
Thirty minutes with the activity coach (the allotted time may vary with the adapted programs). The consultation helps participants set health-related goals and develop a physical activity action plan that fits their routine and suits their interests, goals, abilities, and resources.
2. Group Meetings
Eight, 60-minute meetings facilitated by the activity coach where participants connect with others in their group to share experiences, encourage and motivate each other (the alloted time may vary with the adapted programs). Participants learn about various health topics (e.g., falls prevention, stress management, nutrition) and resources available in their communities.
Who Are Activity Coaches?
Activity coaches have varied backgrounds. All activity coaches have experience working with people over 55 and are aware of the supports and services available in their community. A fitness background is not required, but is an asset. Organizations can have exisitng staff trained or hire someone new.
What Support Do Organizations Receive?
The Society provides your organization with FUNDING to plan for, and deliver Choose to Move in your community. The Choose to Move support team at the Society works with organizations to understand how Choose to Move might fit and complement existing programming and activities.
Choose to Move can be adapted to meet the needs of diverse settings and organizations.