Senior Share: Lifelong learning and social connections through storytellingAmanda Valorosi & Jimmy Kirby, Jr.
Storytelling has long been used to preserve memories and pass on information to the next generation. Modern-day storytelling is considered not only a form of art but also an amazing technique used to improve cognition, stimulate creativity and maintain mental alertness. Learn how professionals can use storytelling groups to encourage positive social connections while reducing stress, building confidence and increasing activity. Hear examples from a successful storytelling group and explore techniques to start a group in your community.
You’ll be able to:
Formulate a syllabus for an eight-week Senior Share Storytelling group for older adults.
Brainstorm topics and discussions that will be successful for your constituents.
Describe the history of passing down stories through generations and discuss the importance of reminiscent activities for aging adults to improve cognition and mental health.
Faculty: Amanda Valorosi, MSG, Human Services Supervisor, and Jimmy Kirby, Jr., PhD, Senior Recreation Specialist, Human Services Division, City of Carson. CEUs
Finding purpose and creating community through vocational well-beingLaura Powell
The Bridgewater Retirement Community Connections Team was established in 2018 to plan, promote and evaluate community outreach initiatives, providing over 1,000 hours of community outreach annually. Learn how the team fosters meaningful connections between residents, team members and the wider community by creating ongoing community partnerships and purposeful, resident-led initiatives. Examine ways in which the effort creates stronger relationships, engages older adults in meaningful activities, and showcases the value of aging individuals.
You’ll be able to:
Develop strategies to cultivate collaborative partnerships with local community organizations, fostering long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.
Create opportunities for team members and residents to strengthen bonds by working together in service, fulfilling purpose and well-being.
Transform outreach efforts beyond vocational opportunities to provide pathways for intellectual and emotional development, enriching both personal and collective growth.
Faculty: Laura Powell, BS, NHA, Director of Life Enrichment and Volunteer Services, Bridgewater Retirement Community. CEUs
NEURO: A comprehensive plan for optimizing brain healthCody Sipe
Daily lifestyle behaviors are the most important factor for influencing brain health outcomes; however, misconceptions and myths abound about this topic. Learn how the NEURO plan can guide efforts and initiatives to maintain or improve the brain health of older adults. NEURO (nutrition, exercise, unwind, restore, optimize), a framework developed at the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center, addresses these critical lifestyle factors. Explore each component, including evidence for recommendations, ideas for implementation, and resources for communities to support brain health journeys.
You’ll be able to:
Describe the specific evidence-based recommendations and strategies for each component of the NEURO plan.
Generate ideas about adopting and implementing the NEURO plan for your community or organization.
Identify and access resources to improve knowledge, skills and abilities to implement the NEURO plan components in an impactful manner.
Energize older adults with the power of drumming. This research-backed workout enhances upper-body strength, core stability, coordination and reactive training while boosting mood and cognitive function. Discover how to incorporate drumming into any program using simple equipment—even chairs! Learn to create fun, adaptable workouts that harness rhythm, movement and the therapeutic benefits of music to keep participants engaged, active and thriving.
You’ll be able to:
Describe the theory, benefits and practice of basic drumming patterns and combinations.
Introduce drumming classes or segments into existing programs to enhance cognitive benefits and attract new participants to exercise.
Implement program options that can be applied seated or standing, live or online.
Faculty: Libby Norris, BA, canfitpro FIS, Manager, Fitness and Therapeutic Programs, City of Mississauga. CEUs
Vitamin qi: Energizing our body and mindYury Rockit
This seated session introduces simple breathwork and gentle movement rooted in qigong to support circulation, reduce stress and enhance balance. Learn how to cultivate qi (life force energy) to improve joint mobility, respiratory function, and relaxation, promoting better posture, cognitive health and overall well-being. Explore accessible, practical tools to integrate into daily routines or care programs. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to breathe, move and recharge.
You’ll be able to:
Demonstrate simple seated breathing techniques to enhance lung capacity, reduce stress and improve oxygen flow for better cognitive and physical function.
Apply gentle qigong-inspired movements to support joint mobility, balance and circulation, helping to reduce stiffness and prevent falls.
Integrate mindfulness and energy awareness practices into daily routines or care programs to promote relaxation, emotional resilience and overall well-being for older adults.
Faculty: Yury Rockit, BA, ACE PT, Mindful Movement Specialist and Human Design guide, Rockit Movement. CEUs
Maximizing skills to cultivate the ideal group fitness class for older adultsJenny McClendon
Cultivate and maximize skills needed to become a confident, knowledgeable A-list fitness instructor for older adults. Identify the main components that go into creating the ideal fitness experience, and learn the three most important functional aspects to add into every fitness class for older adults. Discover the different types of instructors, behavioral styles, participant learning styles and the 1-2-3 teaching method. Learn adaptations so all participants can be successful, plus join in a sample class to see everything put into play.
You’ll be able to:
Demonstrate at least three functional exercises to improve posture, balance and bone density, which are key components of any exercise class for older adults.
Adapt class exercises to seated, standing and supine/prone positions based on participants’ disability, function and environment.
Identify and answer important class participant questions, including “What are we doing? What is the purpose? How should it feel? How long will I be here?” Also, identify the five fitness instructor qualities: leader, connector, entertainer, educator and organizer.
Artful empathy: Enhancing care through validation and creative expressionKrissy Wuerdeman & Angel Duncan
Art is an effective, creative method of communicating thoughts and feelings with adults living with cognitive decline because it can become a way to communicate suppressed feelings and replace words that could not otherwise be expressed. Explore how artwork can be an effective tool in facilitating healing by allowing emotions to be conveyed through various art forms; it involves dialogue about self-awareness and identity formation. Discuss research efforts regarding the role of creativity in brain health that is shifting empathic care.
You’ll be able to:
Identify three art forms and utilize three validation techniques to better understand the meaning behind participants’ artworks.
Describe three or more ways to engage in creative directives for meaningful engagement.
Explain how identity and consciousness are formed in the brain and how art helps preserve quality of life.
Faculty: Krissy Wuerdeman, MS, CDP, Founder and Managing Director, That Place You Know, LLC; and Angel Duncan, PhD, Program Manager, Clinical Trials & Education, US Clinical Operations, Life Molecular Imaging. CEUs
Having the difficult conversations: What to say to a bullyKathleen Weissberg
Bullying is often associated with children, but it also happens frequently among older adults. Gain an overview of the definition, incidence, characteristics and types of bullying among older adults, and find out about interventions to mitigate its impact and minimize its occurrence. Learn evidence-based strategies for confronting and communicating with a bully in this interactive session. Explore case examples, brainstorm approaches and dialogue about advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
You’ll be able to:
Describe the incidence and characteristics of bullying behaviors in senior living communities.
Identify preventive measures that communities can implement to reduce impact and mitigate bullying behaviors.
List targeted communication, responses and interventions to reduce recurrence of bullying between older adults.
Faculty: Kathleen Weissberg, OTD, CDCP, CMDCP, National Director of Education, Select Rehabilitation. CEUs
How to create an award-winning well-being organizationSue Paul & Dennis Poremski
What does it take to build an award-winning organization in active aging? This session provides a step-by-step blueprint for creating a thriving, innovative and recognized organization. Learn how to align leadership vision with strategic planning, foster interdisciplinary collaboration and integrate evidence-based practices into programming. Explore ways to measure success, track outcomes and showcase achievements through interactive discussions and a strategic roadmap worksheet.
You’ll be able to:
Create a step-by-step plan to align leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation to build an award-winning organization.
Identify and integrate research-backed wellness, cognitive and engagement programs with measurable impact.
Establish success metrics, track outcomes and leverage storytelling and industry recognition to sustain long-term success.
Faculty: Sue Paul, OTD, OTR/L, MBA, ACE CHC, Senior Director of Well-Being and Brain Health, Asbury Communities; and Dennis Poremski, MS, ACE GFI, Director of Well-Being, Asbury Solomons. CEUs
Rebranding your wellness program after a natural disasterDiana Rippl
The Cypress Cove community needed to evolve its wellness program after the isolation of the pandemic and disruption caused by Hurricane Ian. To rebuild connections and nurture emotional well-being for both longtime residents and those who joined Cypress Cove after fleeing disaster, the community created The Good Life culture, blending well-being and wellness. Explore how the program was created and implemented using resident feedback, leadership input, and collaboration between therapy, medical, home health and life enrichment teams.
You’ll be able to:
Modify current wellness strategy when there are changes to culture, rapid operational changes and fear of new norms.
Identify approaches to wellness integration using key departments.
Identify ways to enable residents to drive wellness culture from within.
Faculty: Diana Rippl, MSPT, OCS, Director of Inspired Rehabilitation and Wellness Integration, Cypress Cove. CEUs
Incorporating the latest brain health research into your programmingRob Winningham
Evidence is mounting that lifestyle factors can maximize brain health, cognitive ability and quality of life. Explore the latest research on many aspects of brain health including cognitive stimulation, physical activity, social fitness, nutrition, sleep, hearing deficits, alcohol and more. Learn what are the most effective interventions, how often programming should take place and who benefits the most; also gain insights that help you motivate residents and clients to engage more fully in that programming. Take home an optimistic, motivating message about the many practical things we can do to maximize brain health and quality of life.
You’ll be able to:
Describe at least six research-based interventions to maximize brain health.
Implement the most effective physical-exercise interventions to maximize cognition.
Predict who is likely to benefit from interventions designed to enhance brain health and cognition.
Faculty: Rob Winningham, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Gerontology, Western Oregon University. CEUs
Making the floor your friendKimberly Huff & Connie Rasmussen
The inability to get up from the floor is not only a barrier to daily activities like playing with children, enjoying hobbies or doing household chores, but it also can increase the risk of serious health consequences. Learn and practice safe techniques for getting on and off the floor; and identify movement limitations that may prevent performing this skill safely. Discover four movement patterns used in this activity and appropriate exercises for addressing limitations with each pattern. Also, learn tips for teaching exercises and movement patterns in individual or group sessions.
You’ll be able to:
Describe how the ability to get on and off the floor is not only a barrier to activities and exercises on the floor but also a valid predictor of functional limitations and fall risk.
Perform and teach safe and effective techniques for getting on and off the floor; identify potential movement limitations with each technique and provide appropriate modifications.
Demonstrate four key movement patterns utilized to get on and off the floor, plus teach exercises to improve the ability to safely perform these patterns.
Faculty: Kimberly Huff, MS, CSCS, Director of Fitness and Special Programs, and Connie Rasmussen, BS, PT, CEEAA, Director of Rehabilitation and Special Programs, Acts Retirement-Life Communities. CEUs
Poetry yoga: Meditations on poetry while practicing chair yogaJeanne Missey Osgood
Learn how to create and practice a chair-yoga fusion class that blends yoga poses with recitation of short inspirational poetry. The session will include a handout of an actual class with poems by Emily Dickinson and modified yoga poses that accompany them. Poetry and yoga create a two-pronged approach toward greater self-awareness, personal integrity, interest in the common good, and other heightened states of being that can enhance the well-being of older adults.
You’ll be able to:
Incorporate poetry that will enhance a chair yoga class.
Explain why this style of yoga adds meaningful meditation for older adults as well as variety to yoga or stretch classes.
Demonstrate and practice adding short poems to the beginning, middle and end of a yoga class.
Lift heavy! Strength and power training to develop robust “movers”Patricia VanGalen
Functional muscle mass expands our reserve capacity, allowing us to bounce back from the curveballs of life, to thrive in place, pursue hobbies, travel and enjoy activities. Explore a variety of training formats, methods and tools within the context of age and sex differences across the adult lifespan. It’s not about “looks” and “loads.” It is about developing healthier, stronger, more powerful and robust “movers” who can perform with confidence and competence in their environments of choice for as long as possible.
You’ll be able to:
Determine the minimum effective dose of strength and power training for extending health, brain and strength spans based on individual needs and wants.
Tweak programming to layer on robustness based on the demands and risks of a client’s chosen activity.
Adjust training variables to optimize adaptations for bone, cardiovascular-metabolic and brain health.
UNBREAKABLE: Precision longevity and aging with powerVonda Wright
Aging is no longer just about adding years to life—it’s about adding life to years. With groundbreaking discoveries in longevity science, we now understand aging in ways that allow for precision wellness: targeted, personalized strategies to optimize health as we grow older. This session explores the latest advancements in aging science, including how life changes at 64 (when past choices start to catch up with us) and what we can do to stay ahead.
In this General Session, Dr. Vonda Wright, author, researcher and pioneering orthopedic sports surgeon, dives into the idea of bone as a living organ and its implications for lifelong strength and mobility, particularly in women’s health, where differences from men necessitate unique approaches. Knowledge alone is not enough. Behavior change is key. How do we effectively integrate new insights into daily life? What tools and technologies are driving personalized health recommendations? Are we truly at the cusp of precision wellness, and if so, how do we harness it for better outcomes? Gain insights from Dr. Wright on where the science of aging is heading and what it means for you. You’ll leave with actionable strategies to personalize your approach to longevity and well-being for yourself and for your residents/members.
You’ll be able to:
Discuss the latest advancements in the science of aging.
Describe tools and technologies that drive tailored health recommendations.
Apply strategies for a personalized approach to longevity and well-being.
Faculty: Vonda Wright, MD, MS, double-board certified orthopedic sports surgeon, researcher, author and speaker, human performance expert, women’s health authority, and thought leader committed to redefining aging. Wright is also the founding Chief of Sports Medicine at Northside Health System and inaugural Medical Director of the UPMC [University of Pittsburgh Medical Center] Lemieux Sports Complex. CEUs
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10:45 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Cultivating inclusive environments: A global approach to diversity in senior communitiesBrandon Mendiola & Queenie Lew
Delve into the complexities of creating an inclusive atmosphere within senior centers, affordable housing communities and other senior community environments where both staff and members represent a mosaic of cultural backgrounds, languages and experiences. Explore what skills are necessary to foster a welcoming community that values and celebrates diversity. In addition to gaining practical tools and strategies to implement, discover technologies and resources that support creating more inclusive environments.
You’ll be able to:
Recognize personal and institutional biases that may affect service delivery and community engagement and how these biases can inadvertently create barriers to inclusivity.
Design programs and activities that are accessible and engaging for all members, regardless of their background.
Utilize communication techniques, including nonverbal cues, that enhance understanding and reduce misunderstandings across different cultures and language barriers.
Faculty: Brandon Mendiola, BA, Program Supervisor, and Queenie Lew, AA, Program Coordinator, Sequoia Living. CEUs
A simple guide on gardening for senior living communitiesJason Coker, Emily Ridgely & Stephen Brown
Discover the joys of gardening for senior living communities. Explore the benefits of gardening for older adults, positive effects on the community, and impacts on the overall health of residents. Learn how to begin a garden by starting small, building a team and researching low-maintenance plants that grow well in your environment. Receive resources to create a farm-to-table garden that is both budget- and eco-friendly. Connect residents with others in the surrounding community through a shared love of gardening.
You’ll be able to:
Explain why gardening is a must-have program for senior living communities.
Determine the first steps for starting a garden.
Optimize your garden budget through volunteers, local businesses, grants and other resources.
Faculty: Jason Coker, BS, Wellness and Activities Director; Emily Ridgely, BS, ACSM-CEP, National Director of Training and Customer Support, Wellness Services; and Stephen Brown, BA, National Director of Training and Customer Support, Wellness Services, Aegis Therapies. CEUs
Tools for the Active Aging for L.I.F.E. intergenerational health programEmily Roberts
The Active Aging for L.I.F.E. collaborative project provides a novel health education approach promoting positive health outcomes for intergenerational participants. The program focuses on the interrelationships between longevity, independence, fitness and engagement, bringing together L.I.F.E. leader teams of adults over 50 and college-age students. The leaders then take the program to high school students, focusing on the interconnected network of personal and professional health and wellness opportunities. Learn how to implement an intergenerational, community-based, active-aging program.
You’ll be able to:
List the interrelationships and benefits of the four modules of the Active Aging for L.I.F.E. program: longevity, independence, fitness and engagement.
Analyze the impact of intergenerational programming that brings together multiple generations to discuss the L.I.F.E. topics through educational tools and activities.
Develop a plan to implement the Active Aging for L.I.F.E. program in a community-based format that fits specific community assets and needs.
Faculty: Emily Roberts, PhD, Associate Professor, College of Education and Human Sciences, Oklahoma State University. CEUs
Beyond occupancy: How nonresident memberships can transform your communityBrian Parman & Angela Castillo
Develop a compelling nonresident membership program by leveraging community strengths. Explore strategies for attracting and engaging members through marketing, outreach and partnerships, while exploring best practices for converting nonresidents into full-time residents. Key implementation steps include assessing community needs, crafting a strong value proposition, fostering engagement and tracking program success.
You’ll be able to:
Develop a compelling value proposition for a nonresident membership program that aligns with your community’s unique strengths and target audience.
Identify key strategies for attracting and engaging potential members through effective marketing, outreach and community partnerships.
Discuss best practices for converting nonresident members into residents and fostering long-term relationships to enhance community vibrancy and drive occupancy.
Faculty: Brian Parman, BA, Director, The Point & Pavilion, and Angela Castillo, BA, Assistant Director, The Point & Pavilion, CC Young Senior Living. CEUs
Enhancing cognitive well-being through innovative programs and toolsChelsea Blanding & Katie Reilly
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining cognitive health is crucial for well-being and for sustaining an active, engaged and independent lifestyle. Explore the integration of an 18-week program called Brain Bank and technology screening tools to enhance cognitive reserve and promote cognitive well-being among older adults. This session leverages these resources to offer a comprehensive approach to support cognitive health that addresses various aspects of well-being, including physical, mental and social dimensions. Gain insights into core cognitive capacities that are key to developing this kind of program.
You’ll be able to:
Discuss technology as a reliable tool for cognitive screening and baseline assessment.
Present Brain Bank as an innovative program aimed at enhancing cognitive reserve through engaging activities and social interaction.
Integrate these tools into a comprehensive, cognitive well-being strategy.
Faculty: Chelsea Blanding, MS, CDP, Well-Being Program Manager, and Katie Reilly, PhD, CDP, Corporate Director of Cognitive Well-Being, Acts Retirement-Life Communities. CEUs
Tai chi for healthy aging: Flow, focus and fall preventionSharlyn Green
Unlock the transformative power of Sun-style tai chi for older adults in this dynamic session, focused on fall prevention, joint health and mindful movement. Through flowing, mindful movements, tai chi enhances posture and coordination, empowering older adults to move confidently while minimizing the risk of falls. Discover how to seamlessly integrate Sun-style tai chi into your fitness programs, with variations to suit a range of abilities and fitness levels. Leave with the tools and inspiration to design tai chi classes that empower older adults.
You’ll be able to:
Describe the research-based benefits of tai chi for fall prevention, balance and posture, and how it supports cognitive health by enhancing memory, attention and mental well-being.
Design Sun-style tai chi movement combinations that improve balance, stability, strength and mental focus, using evidence-based strategies tailored to older adults.
Adapt tai chi movements to accommodate varying skill levels and abilities, ensuring a safe and inclusive practice that promotes physical strength, balance and mental clarity.
Moving through a movement disorder of Parkinson’s diseaseLisa Hoffman & Kristine Meldrum
Learn to teach, train and lead exercise sessions for older adults living with Parkinson’s disease. Exercise is increasingly accepted as an adjunct treatment for Parkinson’s disease that is associated with slower declines in mobility and improved quality of life. Participate in a focused demonstration utilizing Parkinson’s exercise guidelines to better understand the rationale behind exercises that will directly impact the quality of life of clients living with Parkinson’s.
You’ll be able to:
Recognize signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Discuss specific exercise studies to develop a Parkinson’s exercise plan.
Implement movement variations to meet the ever-changing needs of people living with Parkinson’s.
Faculty: Lisa Hoffman, MA, Senior Director, Professional Education, Parkinson’s Foundation; and Kristine Meldrum, BA, ACE GFI, Founder and President, Parkinson’s Place Iowa. CEUs
Bridging rehabilitation and wellness: One resident, one coherent care modelAnna Azaryan & Joy Cochran
Explore how a Nordic walking program can bridge the gap between rehabilitation and wellness services. A low-impact, full-body exercise that uses specially designed poles, Nordic walking can enhance participants’ physical recovery from injuries, improve cardiovascular health, and increase muscle strength while reducing the chance for injury when incorporated in both settings. Explore how this integration fosters a holistic approach to patient care, supporting not just physical rehabilitation but also supporting long-term wellness goals. Nordic walking can also be adapted for a variety of needs, abilities and fitness levels.
You’ll be able to:
Identify the top applications of a Specialized Nordic Walking/Activator Program within a physical therapy setting in a senior living environment.
Define the top implementations of a Specialized Nordic Walking/Activator Program within a wellness or fitness setting in a senior living environment.
Describe how this program can be leveraged for continuity of care for residents, with diverse applications.
Faculty: Anna Azaryan, MEd, Project Manager, Urban Poling, Inc.; and Joy Cochran, PT, DPT, CEEAA, Owner, JOY Explorations, and member, Clinical Evidence Team, Urban Poling, Inc. CEUs
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11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
LUNCH & LEARN Blue
Indulge in a delectable lunch while engaging in enlightening discussions with our esteemed partners in this informative session.
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12:00 p.m.–4:15 p.m.
ICAA EXPOMarquis Ballroom
Explore new and innovative offerings at ICAA’s wellness expo. Discover products and services, technologies and equipment to support multidimensional wellness from providers committed to meeting the industry’s needs. Find solutions to help you meet today’s goals and advance your overall vision.
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1:20 p.m.–2:20 p.m.
LUNCH & LEARN Green
During this informative session, enjoy a delicious lunch while engaging in enlightening discussions with our esteemed partners.
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4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Living well, leaving well: A positive approach to end-of-life planningAshley McDowell
End-of-life planning is a growing concern in senior care communities as more individuals and professionals recognize its importance. Learn strategies to help older adults navigate this process with confidence. Discuss ways to facilitate open conversations, assist with organizing essential documents, and guide older adults in creating legacy projects like obituaries or legacy letters. Gain practical advice and guidance that can help reduce stigma around discussions about mortality and transform a difficult task into an empowering experience that fosters dignity, choice and open dialogue.
You’ll be able to:
Assist older adults in developing a structured “everything binder” to organize essential financial, legal and personal documents, ensuring their loved ones have easy access to necessary information.
Guide meaningful conversations about end-of-life wishes, reducing discomfort and fostering open, positive discussions between community members and among loved ones.
Assist older adults in creating a personalized legacy piece so they can reflect on their life’s impact and communicate their values to future generations, as well as to reduce the burden on their survivors.
Faculty: Ashley McDowell, PhD, Life Enrichment Coordinator, Heritage Community of Kalamazoo. CEUs
Promoting longevity through engaging nutrition and well-being-focused programmingEllen Lowre
Discover practical strategies to engage residents in meaningful discussions about nutrition and well-being. Gain insights into current trends, including personalized nutrition, and learn how to collaborate effectively with in-house dietitians and chefs to create engaging, health-promoting programs. Explore “stealth health” strategies in menu design, conversational approaches, dining experiences, and simple, actionable wellness tips to share within your scope of practice. Leave with tools to encourage healthier choices through dialogue, resident-led activities, and collaborative programming with culinary teams.
You’ll be able to:
Identify current nutrition trends and learn how to apply them to engage residents while staying within your professional scope.
Use “stealth health” practices in everyday interactions by integrating simple, research-backed nutrition insights into informal conversations, resident programming, and wellness initiatives.
Develop strategies for working with in-house dietitians and chefs to create joint wellness programming that enhances both resident engagement and nutritional outcomes.
Faculty: Ellen Lowre, BS, RD, Vice President, Nutrition, Wellness and Sustainability, CCL Hospitality Group. CEUs
Rescripting aging: Empowering longevity through the performing artsKatie Kensinger, John Prignano & Caitlin Rokavec
Explore how organizations that serve older adults can build community, shift mindsets and combat ageism through performing arts programs. This session will provide practical tips for creating and implementing an active performing arts program and offer inspiration through real-world, data-supported stories from organizations that have been collaborating with arts partners to pilot programs in music, theater and dance.
You’ll be able to:
Make the business case for building a performing arts program for older adults.
List the three key elements to creating a performing arts program for older adults that builds community and promotes inclusivity.
Identify potential partners in your local community who can support your efforts.
Faculty: Katie Kensinger, BS, Director of Marketing and Partnerships, Juniper Communities, LLC; John Prignano, BA, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Education and Development, Music Theatre International; and Caitlin Rokavec, BFA, Connections Director, Juniper Village at Brookline. CEUs
Data-driven wellness: Using key metrics to enhance fitness programs for older adults Jason Smith & Aaron Watkins
Examine the critical role of data in optimizing fitness programs for older adults at wellness centers. Discover insights into key metrics for senior fitness programs and how to apply them, including which types of metrics have the most impact, what are the best practices for gathering and interpreting data, and how to leverage information to enhance program effectiveness. By the end of the session, you’ll understand how a data-driven approach can lead to improved health outcomes, increased engagement, and a more personalized fitness experience for older adults. Gain the skills to use these insights to customize programs and to train staff on this approach.
You’ll be able to:
Identify key metrics and integrate data collection tools into wellness centers, including fitness trackers, health monitoring devices, and software for data management.
Use data to create, monitor and adjust personalized fitness plans by incorporating individual health metrics and fitness levels to design programs that meet people’s specific needs and goals.
Train staff on how to collect, analyze and interpret data, enabling them to recognize the significance of various metrics and use this information to tailor fitness programs.
Faculty: Jason Smith, BS, Vice President, Amenities and Hospitality, Shell Point Retirement Community; and Aaron Watkins, BS, National Business Development, Senior Living, Technogym. CEUs
Longevity is a team sport: Social connection, movement and quality of lifeKarlie Intlekofer
Social connection and physical activity are two of the most powerful predictors of healthspan. Explore how group-based exercise, community-building initiatives, and inclusive movement programming enhance participation and quality of life regardless of ability level. Learn how small, intimate wellness settings can provide transformative experiences that reduce isolation and improve engagement, plus how movement opportunities can unite people and promote connection based on a shared interest in self-improvement.
You’ll be able to:
Explain the role of social connection in physical and cognitive health outcomes and why it is a crucial imperative for addressing social and physical health among older individuals.
Design inclusive movement programs that encourage participation across diverse ability levels.
Implement strategies to foster community engagement through exercise and shared wellness experiences.
Faculty: Karlie Intlekofer, PhD, Global Research Scientist, Matrix Ftiness.CEUs
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Dance for brain health and happinessManuel Velazquez
Cognitive dance is the use of the mind and body to learn, perform and perceive dance. It involves a variety of cognitive processes, including memory, attention, executive function and interpersonal communication. Explore ways to maximize the benefits of cognitive stimulus and performance for positive emotional and social outcomes in older adults. Take home simple movement patterns that instructors can quickly learn, remember and pass on to clients during activity sessions.
You’ll be able to:
Describe how dance positively affects brain health and cognitive abilities.
Discuss the relationship between physical movement and emotional health.
Teach simple movement patterns in regular activity sessions.
Faculty: Manuel Velazquez, BA, ACE GFI, Movement Specialist and Wellness Trainer, Rancho La Puerta Resort and Spa. CEUs
Ageless pilates: A functional approach improving flexibility and mobilityLeslee Bender
Classical mat pilates may not be suitable for many older adults as it is primarily supine. This session will provide strategies and techniques so you can implement a functionally safe pilates program utilizing a chair and small equipment-simulating apparatus. Help your students gain better posture, core strength, and confidence in all activities. In this session, science meets function with an approach that embraces the pilates philosophy of improving body awareness, decreasing pain and increasing longevity.
You’ll be able to:
Provide a functionally safer method of pilates training for students of all fitness levels, allowing them to improve strength, flexibility, mobility and core balance.
Provide pilates activities utilizing a chair, which allows for participation from many who could not otherwise engage in pilates.
Describe how this method focuses on lengthening the body vertically rather than adhering to traditional pilates supine exercises.
Speed, power, balance: The key to fall resiliency in agersAnn Gilbert
Focus on the combination of dual-task training and fall prevention, highlighting the role of fast-twitch muscle fibers in maintaining agility and balance. Explore practical exercises that challenge cognitive and physical coordination, promoting quick reaction times to reduce the risk of a fall. Leave with the knowledge and ability to launch new programming options that help remove barriers to movement.
You’ll be able to:
Incorporate movements that challenge both speed and balance to help improve physical health and also enhance cognitive function.
Describe how seated and standing dual-task movements stimulate the brain, supporting mental agility and helping to preserve cognitive health, often decreasing the opportunity for a fall.
Design an easy-to-follow program, session or class focusing on strength, agility and overall functional resilience after studying a ready-made launch outline.
Faculty: Ann Gilbert, BS, ACE CPT, Owner, FIT-HER Health & Fitness for Women. CEUs
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5:05 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Class photo
Participate in the Class of 2025 photo at the ICAA Conference to preserve the memories of your experiences and connections. We invite all attendees, exhibitors, speakers, volunteers and staff to join us for this not-to-miss moment.
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“Attending the ICAA Conference was an incredibly rewarding experience. I truly appreciated the emphasis on practical strategies that can be impelling inspired and energized. Sessions were informative and engaging … [and] the atmosphere was welcoming and supportive. Overall, the ICAA Conference is an essential event for anyone working in the field of aging and wellness.”
Carrie Johnson Regional Vice President, Americare Senior Living
