An authentic wellness culture: Resident well-being, market leadership, business successKay Van Norman
As senior living evolves, the link between a community’s wellness profile and its business success grows stronger. Emerging market leaders are shifting their thinking from creating comprehensive wellness programs to building community-wide wellness cultures—ones that enhance lives and generate business growth opportunities. Explore your community’s progress toward this transformation. Learn specific strategies to accelerate the change from programming to culture building; integrate this mindset into policies, procedures and communication; and align your integrated wellness culture with business objectives and growth.
You’ll be able to:
Describe the key differences between a comprehensive wellness program and an authentic wellness culture.
Identify three specific strategies to support the shift from wellness programming to wellness culture building.
Discuss opportunities to leverage an integrated wellness culture into business growth.
Faculty: Kay Van Norman, MS, President, Brilliant Aging. CEUs
Be a brain health hero! Building your cognitive trainer skillsetCynthia Green
The demand for cognitive training has skyrocketed, especially among active older adults who want to maintain memory, attention and other intellectual skills. Explore what every trainer needs to develop expertise in cognitive wellness, plus learn what the current science shows matters most about cognitive fitness and planning activities from a wellness-driven brain training perspective. Hands-on demonstrations will help you build your skillset so you can become your community’s brain health hero.
You’ll be able to:
Demonstrate a working knowledge of the current brain health science and best practices learning models for older adults.
Describe the skillset needed to deliver wellness-based brain training to older-adult communities.
Evaluate your skillset to determine how to improve as a brain health trainer.
Faculty: Cynthia Green, PhD, President, Total Brain Health, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. CEUs
Let’s learn to get up! Mastering the sit-to-standAnn Gilbert
Study the sit-to-stand as a movement system essential for maintaining strength, mobility and self-efficacy in older adults. Practice from kneeling, seated, standing and even while at the wall in an innovative and fun program for one-to-one or small group settings. Learn how to reduce the fear of falling, and explore how being able to get up can transfer to more advanced activities of daily living and an active longevity.
You’ll be able to:
Describe how to increase functional movement working with just six major muscles groups.
Study movement patterns of the basic sit-to-stand from ankle to spine, plus demonstrate and coach each step of the process.
Refine coaching techniques to include cueing that encourages, motivates and educates your participants to move in ways that will enhance activities of daily living.
Faculty: Ann Gilbert, BS, ACE CPT, Owner, Fit-Her Health & Fitness for Women. CEUs
They need to be working smarter and harderAleen Dailey
When was the last time your residents increased weights in strength class, progressed workouts in the gym or tried anything new in exercise? Do you offer cognitive, strength, balance, HIIT [High-Intensity Interval Training], and power training in your line-up? Learn why and how to formulate programs that cultivate the principles of exercise science, reflect current research for the 65+ population, and enhance participant enjoyment and adherence. Aim to better serve your existing residents while also creating a program that Boomers will come to expect when choosing a community.
You’ll be able to:
Demonstrate how principles of exercise science should be applied within group exercise classes, individual resident wellness programs, and broadly across a community’s line-up of wellness offerings.
Articulate the current research for the 65+ population in regard to maintaining independence, preventing falls, reducing harm and improving cognition.
Describe methods and techniques that can be utilized in all exercise settings to provide physical and cognitive stimulus while simultaneously enhancing participants’ self-efficacy.
Posture and mobility: Somatic movement strategies for active agingElise Foss
Learn how Laban and Bartenieff’s movement models can improve body awareness, enhance mobility and support better posture. Expanding movement possibilities can increase flexibility, coordination and overall well-being, while reducing chances for injury. Discover how the Somatic Laban method explores body, effort, space and shape to refine movement efficiency and coordination. This applicable approach promotes better posture, mobility and resilience, providing individuals with a foundation to age well and move with confidence.
You’ll be able to:
Analyze movement using the Laban framework to identify and apply the four key categories of body, effort, space and shape to assess and refine movement patterns for improved posture and mobility.
Enhance body awareness and movement efficiency by modifying habitual movement patterns to improve coordination, balance, and overall physical function.
Expand movement possibilities for greater adaptability and integrate new movement choices to enhance flexibility and responsiveness, promoting well-being and resilience in daily activities.
How storytelling can transform your brand experience and engage your residentsJack York & Shannon Novak
Top marketing firms are paid to develop taglines, fancy logos and expensive websites for our industry. Meanwhile, a community is filled with thousands of stories. Each life lived, some with adventure and some with heartbreak, lands at our door. Delve into ways that older-adult storytelling can captivate audiences and inspire deeper engagement with your brand. Forget how the logo looks and how the tagline rhymes; consider whether your brand ignites connection and authenticity. Explore how these stories have the potential to go viral on social media. Learn how to engage real people, telling real stories, to get real results.
You’ll be able to:
Describe why telling the stories of older adults is essential for personal, cultural and community growth.
Leverage social media, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, to make these stories go viral and reach a wider audience.
Implement short- and long-term strategies to capture stories and present them to market your brand.
Faculty: Jack York, BS, Founder, It’s Never 2 Late (iN2L) and TaleGate; and Shannon Novak, BS, Senior Managing Director of Marketing, Arrow Senior Living Management. CEUs
The seismic shift in mindset: Attracting the new older adult in a competitive marketMarc Middleton
The new older adult wants to age in a community that fosters continual growth, lifelong learning and engagement. Creating a culture of inclusion, shared purpose, and mutual support despite current social and political divisiveness is key to the health and well-being of residents and the community’s success. This multimedia presentation explores the mindset of older adults and offers tools to create a community culture of positive aging. Learn how communities that embrace a mindset of lifelong potential can cultivate thriving, purpose-driven environments and attract more residents.
You’ll be able to:
Summarize the science of mindset and aging and explain how mindset influences physical and cognitive health outcomes. Plus, employ evidence-based techniques and strategies to change mindset and reframe aging as a time of growth, purpose and continued contribution.
Discuss the mindset of the new older adult. Also, implement steps to help residents embrace opportunities for personal growth, connection and engagement.
Provide activities that help foster empathy, unity and a shared vision for positive aging.
Faculty: Marc Middleton, BS, Founder and CEO, Growing Bolder. CEUs
Aligning therapeutic horticulture programs with organizational wellness objectivesAlexis Ashworth
Because wellness is increasingly recognized as a key driver of resident satisfaction and operational success, integrating therapeutic horticulture into wellness programming presents a compelling opportunity for senior living communities, rehabilitation centers and healthcare organizations. Discover how nature-based interventions align with business objectives by improving resident engagement, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing staff retention.
You’ll be able to:
Develop a cost-effective plan for integrating therapeutic horticulture into wellness programming.
Communicate the value and benefits of therapeutic horticulture to stakeholders, including leadership and funding bodies.
Analyze the latest research on therapeutic horticulture and its impact on physical, emotional and cognitive well-being in older adults.
Faculty: Alexis Ashworth, MBA IDM, Founder and CEO, Root in Nature, Inc. CEUs
PANEL PART 1 The science and application of brain health programmingRyan Glatt, Karlie Intlekofer, Rob Winningham & Cody Sipe
Discover innovations in brain health programming in this panel session, where a multidisciplinary team of experts lays the foundation for cutting-edge cognitive strategies. Explore evidence-based techniques that integrate dual-task training, cognitive stimulation, and design of specialized environments (e.g., “brain gyms”) to optimize brain health for older adults. Hear insights on assessing cognitive function, implementing innovative rehabilitation techniques and creating engaging, person‑specific programs. Leave with practical tools and comprehension for building effective brain health initiatives in clinical and community settings.
You’ll be able to:
Identify and analyze innovative techniques for integrating dual‑task training and cognitive stimulation into brain health programming.
Evaluate strategies for designing and managing specialized environments, such as “brain gyms,” to support cognitive and physical health. Also, develop tailored, evidence-based interventions to enhance engagement and outcomes.
Apply foundational principles of cognitive and rehabilitation programming to both high‑tech and low‑tech settings.
Faculty: Ryan Glatt, PhD(c), MS, CPT, NBC-HWC, Director, FitBrain Program, Pacific Neuroscience Institute; Karlie Intlekofer, PhD, Global Research Scientist, Matrix Fitness; Rob Winningham, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Gerontology, Western Oregon University; and Cody Sipe, MS, PhD, DipACLM, Professor, Doctoral Physical Therapy Program, Harding University, and CEO, Marbles Brain Body Fitness. CEUs
Dual-tasking and the power of playMindy Mylrea
Dual-task exercises for active agers involve simultaneously engaging in a physical task and a cognitive task to improve balance, cognition and overall functional abilities. This type of training is particularly beneficial for a clientele that may become more susceptible to falls and cognitive decline with age. These exercises not only help reduce the risk of falls by enhancing an individual’s attentional control and gait stability, but they also make exercise challenges fun. Unlock the power of play while challenging the brain and body to work together, improving coordination, focus, and reaction time.
You’ll be able to:
Discuss dual-task training and its benefits for active agers.
Introduce dual-task exercises to improve clients’ balance, cognition and overall functional abilities.
Encourage clients to adhere to exercise by unlocking the power of play while challenging brain and body simultaneously.
Faculty: Mindy Mylrea, ACE, Owner, One Day to Wellness. CEUs
Against the wall: Stronger every dayYury Rockit
Discover the wall’s untapped potential in this fun, dynamic session. Use a wall for strength, cardio and mobility exercises tailored for active agers. Improve balance, flexibility and coordination with simple, creative movements that make fitness accessible and engaging. The wall is your partner for vitality and strength at any stage of life. Delve into a fitness approach that enhances creativity and adaptability in movement.
You’ll be able to:
Explore innovative ways to use a wall as a tool for various movement combinations.
Leverage bodyweight in conjunction with a wall for effective training.
Practice exercises that can be done anywhere with just a wall and a yoga mat.
Faculty: Yury Rockit, BA, ACE PT, Mindful Movement Specialist and Human Design guide, Rockit Movement. CEUs
Are we pushing clients hard enough during resistance training?Aaron Aslakson
Resistance training offers many benefits for older adults, but programming should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Resistance training requires attention to intensity, specificity, progression and overload to physiologically change the structure and function of skeletal muscle. Discover how fitness professionals can focus on these variables in both personal training and group exercise settings, using a variety of equipment and providing modifications for the needs of a variety of populations.
You’ll be able to:
Analyze how resistance training variables, such as intensity, progression and overload, can impact the anticipated physiological response.
Modify intensity monitoring techniques based on ability levels of clients and available equipment.
Develop resistance training programs that impact strength, power and functionality.
Faculty: Aaron Aslakson, PhD, ACSM CEP, Assistant Professor and Director of Exercise Science, Biological and Health Sciences Department, School of Health and Science, Crown College. CEUs
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9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
How technology can personalize nutritionMatthew Thompson & David Leuci
Delve into the intersection of technology and therapeutic nutrition. Learn about data-driven strategies for personalizing, tracking and optimizing diets of older adults in residential communities. Explore how technology is revolutionizing dining services, empowering caregivers and integrating health insights across organizational silos. Gain a practical roadmap for implementing personalized therapeutic nutrition in senior living settings that highlights cutting-edge research, real-world case studies and actionable strategies.
You’ll be able to:
Evaluate the latest research on therapeutic nutrition and how personalized dietary interventions can enhance longevity and quality of life.
Integrate nutrition technology across departments to break down silos and create seamless resident-centric care models.
Use a roadmap for launching a personalized therapeutic nutrition program in a senior living community.
Faculty: Matthew Thompson, MBA, PCIII, CEC, CCA, GRAE, Chief Culinary Officer, and David Leuci, BS, PMP, Chief Information Officer, Restaura Hospitality. CEUs
Suicide prevention and screening for substance misuse in older adultsKathleen Weissberg
Acts of suicide, ideation and self-harm and substance use disorders are highly prevalent in older adults in the United States, although the topics are uncomfortable to discuss. Life transitions exacerbate the risk, making the transition to assisted living or long-term care a crucial point to deliver screening and intervention. Learn about clinical presentation, methods of screening, and assessment of risk so timely interventions and referral to appropriate care can be provided. Explore the prevalence of suicidality in senior living, signs that point to elevated risk for suicide and substance abuse, screening tools and strategies for intervention.
You’ll be able to:
Define the scope of the problem related to suicide and substance abuse in older adults.
Identify risk factors, warning signs and common substance use disorders.
Discuss the process of screening, interventions and referral to treatment for older adults with substance use disorders and suicidal ideation. Plus, describe important actions in suicide prevention during the transition to residential communities.
Faculty: Kathleen Weissberg, OTD, CDCP, CMDCP, National Director of Education, Select Rehabilitation. CEUs
A new-age approach for validating effectiveness of resident engagementKelly Stranburg & Tony Galvan
Two veteran resident-engagement professionals introduce a paradigm shift and change in mindset that seeks to measure engagement success by how residents benefit from well-being experiences. Understanding resident goals and desires allows programming to be tailored to meet those needs, and outcomes can be linked to those expectations. Explore how innovative tracking and assessment methods can offer a fresh, data-driven approach to validating programming success that can be shared with key organizational stakeholders.
You’ll be able to:
Explain why it is important to rethink what needs to be measured from a resident engagement standpoint that aligns more closely with existing and future resident experience expectations.
Identify metrics essential for evaluating resident engagement programs based on resident expectations, organizational approach, and branded programs.
Develop strategies to effectively communicate trends and operational insights to key stakeholders that demonstrate the value and effectiveness of resident engagement initiatives and drive better business outcomes.
Faculty: Kelly Stranburg, MEd, ACSM CEP, Vice President of Healthy Aging and Longevity, Westminster Communities of Florida; and Tony Galvan, MS, Assistant Vice President of Living Well, Vi Living. CEUs
PANEL PART 2 Implementing brain health programmingRyan Glatt, Michele Wong, Sue Paul & Mellany Hanson
Dive into actionable strategies for elevating brain health programming in this practical panel session. A multidisciplinary lineup of experts focuses on translating innovative ideas into real-world applications while discussing brain health coaching, integration of medical fitness and wellness, and targeted initiatives within senior living environments. Explore lifestyle-based approaches and community-driven programs to enhance cognitive function and overall well-being. Leave with practical tools and best practices to implement effective, person-specific brain health initiatives in diverse settings.
You’ll be able to:
Develop personalized brain-health coaching programs to guide individuals toward optimal cognitive and physical wellness.
Integrate medical fitness and wellness strategies into comprehensive brain health initiatives. Plus, identify and implement effective brain health interventions tailored for senior living environments.
Design lifestyle and community-based programs that drive engagement and enhance brain health outcomes in diverse populations.
A.B.C.: Agility, balance and coordination for the active-aging clientRoberto Melani
Agility, balance and coordination are critical components for maintaining independence, preventing falls and promoting overall well-being in older adults. Explore evidence-based techniques and practical strategies to integrate A.B.C. principles into individualized and group programming. Through hands-on activities, learn how to assess and address deficits in these areas, incorporate effective exercises and adapt movements for varying fitness levels and mobility challenges. Gain valuable insights into the needs of the older population, helping your clients stay strong, confident and active in their daily lives.
You’ll be able to:
Develop and implement individualized and group fitness programs that incorporate agility, balance and coordination exercises.
Assess functional fitness levels and modify exercises to accommodate clients with various levels of function and diverse mobility challenges, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Demonstrate hands-on techniques and movement strategies designed to enhance functional fitness, fostering confidence and physical resilience in older adults.
Ageless function: Movements that matterKeli Roberts
Enhancing functional ability is essential for an ageless lifestyle. Older adults often present a spectrum of age-related needs and goals, from individuals facing osteoporosis, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, to the elite athlete. Program design must incorporate training strategies to improve the movements that matter: gait, hinge, squat, lunge, push, pull, rotate, and loaded carry. Explore seven different programming options designed to enrich the lives of your active (and inactive) aging clients through hands-on practical applications.
You’ll be able to:
Review the needs and goals of older adults and highlight osteoporosis, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, osteosarcopenia and other challenges to address when training this population.
Examine the stability/mobility relationships of the body and the movements that matter.
Recall seven different programming options designed to enrich and enhance the lives of aging clients.
Faculty: Keli Roberts, ACSM-EP, Owner, Keli Roberts Real Fitness. CEUs
Incontinence is not part of aging nor something to tolerate for decades. It’s treatable and often (but not always) preventable, while lifestyle changes can lower the risk. Pelvic floor dysfunction is the number one reason that women reduce their physical activity, and it plays a role in fall risk, frailty, dehydration, and long-term care admissions. Expand your current role in awareness, education, early detection, preemption and treatment of this condition. Update your knowledge with the latest research in exercise interventions, along with cutting-edge physiotherapy and medical treatments and procedures.
You’ll be able to:
Implement tools to raise awareness and to further education and early detection of incontinence in clients and communities.
Incorporate cutting-edge exercise interventions that prevent and preempt incontinence into one-on-one and group training programs.
Develop a network of urogyn physiotherapists, healthcare providers, and physicians for referrals.
PANEL The power of joy in physical activity and connectionRebecca Lloyd, Stephen Smith, William Myers, Caroline Edasis, Annie Shaffer & Amber Reis
What does it feel like to joyfully move—and be moved—alongside others in later life? This session draws from real-world experiences, including physical activity programs, focus groups, informal conversations, presentations, and shared meals with older adults. Learn how movement sparks joy, fosters connection and enhances identity at any age. Explore how inclusive, research-informed physical activity programs strengthen not only the body, but also the social, emotional and intellectual fabric of a community. Whether you’re leading group classes, designing wellness initiatives or working one-on-one, you’ll leave with fresh inspiration and practical tools to help older adults thrive.
You’ll be able to:
Identify and apply strategies to reduce barriers to participation through inclusive, differentiated physical-activity programming.
Describe how award-winning initiatives integrate multiple dimensions of wellness—supported by video, qualitative data, and evidence-based practices.
Discuss how varied movement experiences foster both physical literacy and vibrant micro-communities where older adults build meaningful relationships and a renewed sense of purpose.
Faculty: Rebecca Lloyd, PhD, Full Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa; Stephen Smith, PhD, Full Professor, Faculty of Education, Simon Fraser University; William Myers, Assistant Vice President of Wellness Strategies, Mather; Caroline Edasis, Assistant Vice President of Resident Engagement, Mather; Annie Shaffer, Wellness Director, Sunnyside Retirement Community; and Amber Reis, Director of Operations and Sales, Chartwell Retirement Residences. CEUs
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10:45 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
The creative power of group artJulia Goldie
Learn how to create unique group art projects that are accessible to participants of all skill levels. Explore group projects and receive templates for implementing projects that have been used in the presenter’s senior living community. Collaborate with other session attendees to create a group art project. Leave ready to implement and complete a variety of fun art projects.
You’ll be able to:
Set up and instruct more than 15 art projects that are accessible to people of all skill levels.
Describe what instructions and tools are needed to create a variety of seasonal, holiday and general projects.
Combine individual art projects into one large group art project.
Faculty: Julia Goldie, BFA, NASM PT, Life Enrichment Director, Aljoya-ERA Living. CEUs
Redefining resilience across the continuum of careCrystal Dawson, Crystal Balthazor & Amy Simmons
Learn how to apply personalized strategies to increase and redefine resilience throughout the complete continuum of care in active-aging communities. Explore ways to successfully approach every aspect of care and ensure each resident can achieve a successful crossover regarding support, communication and success to help them thrive in each department in their community. Receive hands-on learning by practicing situational solutions.
You’ll be able to:
Discuss statistics on the benefits of individualizing strategies to increase crossover relationships from therapy to wellness, nursing and activities.
Implement simple, scalable techniques to increase awareness of the importance of resilience in active-aging communities.
Develop growing confidence to improve awareness towards your active-aging community and increase resilience and compassion in crossover situations in all community practices.
Faculty: Crystal Dawson, ASHS, Wellness Coordinator, EnerG by Aegis Therapies; Crystal Balthazor, ASHS, NBCOT COTA, Director of Rehabilitation, Aegis Therapies; and Amy Simmons, BSAT, Director of Training and Customer Support, EnerG by Aegis Therapies. CEUs
Artificial intelligence: Revolutionizing well-being and operationsMark Kronner
Artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved dramatically over the past 50 years, moving from simple tasks to enhancing the experiences of both staff and older adults. Delve into how AI can assist in daily tasks and empower individuals, plus discover how it is poised to shape the industry’s future. Learn to identify staff AI use cases and AI safety and wellness technologies. Explore the difference between generative AI and agentic AI.
You’ll be able to:
Describe how AI assists both staff and older adults, thereby enhancing quality of life and care.
Recognize AI’s role in empowering collaborative decision-making and supporting staff with real-time insights.
Discuss the importance of carefully integrating AI to enhance life safely, while also respecting individuality and personal autonomy.
Faculty: Mark Kronner, BS, NASM, Chief Technology Officer, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan. CEUs
Partnership ecosystem: A guide to dynamic partnerships in senior livingChelsea Sacher & Denise Scruggs
Building authentic, nontransactional partnerships is key in addressing the challenges facing senior living today, from staffing shortages to limited programming budgets. Explore paths to create meaningful, reciprocal relationships that benefit residents, families and organizations, such as vocational schools providing on-site clinical training or offering office space to medical directors and care partners. Learn how to identify and select the right partnerships to meet your community’s unique needs and explore strategies for building connections with local, regional, national and even international organizations.
You’ll be able to:
Identify and evaluate potential partners that align with your organization’s goals and fill operational, staffing or programming gaps.
Develop strategies to build and maintain authentic, reciprocal partnerships that benefit both the organization and the partner.
Implement partnership models that provide long-term solutions to common senior living challenges, such as staffing shortages, activity budget limitations, and resident engagement.
Faculty: Chelsea Sacher, BS, CADDCT, CDP, CDCM, CDSGF, CPT, Regional Director, Program Development and Strategic Partnerships, Fox Trail Memory Care Living; and Denise Scruggs, MS, MA, CDP, CADDCT, CMDCP, CMDCPT, Director of Education, National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). CEUs
Aging: When thinking BRAVE counts mostMichael Mantell
The mindset of healthy aging relies on tools that align with thinking BRAVE: Believing with hope, Reframing the grind, Appreciating the gifts in life, Visualizing the good, and the Encouragement elixir. Explore the cognitive-emotional science of the BRAVE mindset. Leave equipped to draw on this science and its tools to help clients benefit from BRAVE thinking in the face of life’s challenges.
You’ll be able to:
Adopt and encourage a BRAVE mindset to healthily face the inevitabilities in life.
Think in flexible, rational ways that fuel health, hope and happiness.
Untether from rigid, harmful thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
Faculty: Michael Mantell, PhD, Mental Health Architect, Michael R. Mantell, PhD, Inc. CEUs
Agility, balance and brains, oh my!Kimberly Huff
Explore the latest research on the cognitive benefits of exercises designed to enhance agility, balance and coordination, and learn how to apply the information to both group exercise and personal training settings. Engage in creative movement patterns that can be incorporated into exercise programs for varying fitness levels. Receive practical examples of exercises and tips for teaching innovative drills to ensure participants experience cognitive and physical gains plus an element of fun to improve adherence.
You’ll be able to:
Apply the results of recent research showing benefits of agility, balance and coordination drills on cognitive function to group exercise programs and personal training sessions designed for a variety of fitness levels.
Employ fun, creative movement patterns that challenge agility, balance and coordination and can be easily incorporated into group exercise programs or personal training sessions.
Practice and teach innovative drills designed to improve agility, balance and coordination while enhancing cognitive function and adding an element of fun to fitness programs.
Faculty: Kimberly Huff, MS, CSCS, Director of Fitness and Special Programs, Acts Retirement-Life Communities. CEUs
One, two, four and more dancesTerry Eckmann
Dancing is an excellent activity for both the brain and body. Engage in dances that residents can enjoy individually, with a partner, in small groups of four, or in larger groups. These dances offer a mix of fun, practicality and variety. Discover techniques to simplify the movements or increase the challenge to suit different abilities. Return home with dances that you can integrate individually or as a sequence to build a class.
You’ll be able to:
Take home four to six dances that bring fun and variety to your programming.
Simplify or increase dance complexity or intensity.
Explain why dance is one of the best activities for the brain and body.
Faculty: Terry Eckmann, PhD, ACSM-EP, Professor, Teacher Education and Kinesiology, Minot State University. CEUs
All-access therapeutic boxingLibby Norris
Unleash the power of boxing and kickboxing for a full-body workout that builds strength, speed, endurance, agility, balance and coordination. This dynamic training also sharpens cognition, boosts reaction time and enhances self-efficacy while being accessible to every fitness level, no equipment needed. Master fundamental movements, safe modifications and engaging combos to keep workouts fun, effective and adaptable for all. Walk away with fresh strategies to energize any program.
You’ll be able to:
Discuss the science and practice of boxing/kickboxing, along with the associated fitness, cognitive and self-efficacy benefits.
Describe the foundation movements and patterns involved with the sport, plus the modifications to make it safe and effective for fitness and for all ages and abilities.
Create format options for group exercise that can be included in existing programs or added as specialty formats for all levels and abilities.
Faculty: Libby Norris, BA, canfitpro FIS, Manager, Fitness and Therapeutic Programs, City of Mississauga. 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.–3:45 p.m.
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.
Democratizing music as medicine for the aging population through technologyAndy Tubman & Rachel Francine
Participate in an engaging musical adventure that demonstrates how implementing music-as-medicine tools powered by technology can help increase the immune system, reduce anxiety, slow cognitive decline, and reduce agitation during sundowning. Learn functional ways to implement music as medicine, including during bathtimes, with stroke patients and with individuals struggling with dementia. Participate in evidence-based therapeutic techniques focusing on music and movements, and learn a macro perspective on dos and don’ts of implementing music as medicine.
You’ll be able to:
Demonstrate a basic understanding of current research regarding how music affects the brain and body.
Discuss a variety of therapeutic music technology solutions and how to apply them effectively in multiple settings. Plus, apply a handful of functional musical tools to your existing technology.
Recognize how technology is instrumental in scaling and democratizing music as medicine in the United States and around the world.
Faculty: Andy Tubman, BS, CBMT MT-BC, Chief of Therapeutics and Cofounder, and Rachel Francine, MS, CEO and Cofounder, SingFit. CEUs
Creating golden memories with Golden GorillasLaura Covert Miller & Loryn Moser
Intergenerational programs can provide numerous benefits such as encouraging the sharing of skills, knowledge and experience. Discover the Golden Gorillas program, which was created to bring together college students and older adults to learn and connect in assisted living and community settings. Explore program startup, physical activities created to address wellness while incorporating cooperation and interaction, and ways to create a welcoming, collaborative environment for all participants. Also, take part in example activities.
You’ll be able to:
Identify at least two benefits of intergenerational programming focused on areas of wellness.
Begin to develop an intergenerational program.
Demonstrate at least two activities that can be implemented within intergenerational programs.
Faculty: Laura Covert Miller, PhD, CTRS, Professor, and Loryn Moser, undergraduate student/research assistant, Pittsburg State University. CEUs
International lessons for senior living: Wellness by designLori Pinkerton-Rolet
Review inspirational visual examples of facility designs from across the globe that promote health and wellness and discuss a review of a Wellness Interior Design Audit (WIDA), which can be used in various communities/settings. Engage in a group brainstorming session to define the concepts and promote new, imaginative ideas. This session will encourage participants to approach building interiors as an additional opportunity to support active aging, rather than simply seeing them as a frame where activities take place.
You’ll be able to:
Analyze existing interiors using a WIDA template to highlight missed opportunities to promote health and well-being within a facility.
Develop cost-effective or cost-neutral interior modifications for wellness based on global examples, including initiatives specifically for people with physical and/or cognitive challenges.
Teach or inspire other members of your team or organization to use your building as a health and well-being tool.
Faculty: Lori Pinkerton-Rolet, BA, BIID Reg. ID, Founder and Host, Third Age Design Podcast; and Director, Park Grove Design. CEUs
Leading with levity: No laughing matterDani Klein Modisett & Nikki Ghisel
An MIT study found health and happiness at work is a driving force in decisions about taking, staying at or leaving a job. Explore proven stand-up and improv comedy tools that use humor to help create work cultures where people feel seen and heard and look forward to coming to work. In this interactive session, learn about tried-and-true comedians’ tools to cultivate shared laughter in service of human connection. Create a culture of levity where staff members are encouraged to take the work—but not themselves—seriously.
You’ll be able to:
Recognize the difference between affiliative humor and aggressive humor; and describe how to create the former to bring comic relief and connection under stressful circumstances.
Refer to specific, simple and sensory-based methods to communicate with people in cognitive decline and help break through the loneliness and isolation of dementia.
Implement exercises that can help staff members laugh together, which can improve well-being and boost staff retention.
Faculty: Dani Klein Modisett, BA, Founder and CEO, and Nikki Ghisel, BA, Head of Senior Programming and Comedian, Laughter On Call. CEUs
Beyond words: Navigating communication and brain changes in dementiaKaren Straw
Explore how aging-related brain changes affect communication in this interactive, skills-based presentation that emphasizes nonverbal aspects of communication, which affect the majority of all messaging. Examine how natural aging and dementia impact vision. Also, learn how stress responses affect behavior and communication. Gain practical strategies to enhance communication interactions and reduce frustration, plus learn techniques for providing person-centered care that preserves respect for everyone.
You’ll be able to:
Describe the dominant role of vision, and its impact on communication.
Discuss the role of the amygdala in communication with individuals experiencing brain changes and how to vary approach for success.
Identify practical strategies to reduce frustration and enhance engagement through effective communication approaches.
Dynamic flexibility involves controlled movements through a full range of motion that help maintain and improve the joint flexibility and mobility needed to stay active and increase independence with age. Exercises such as walking lunges, high knees, and arm circles can improve mobility, reduce pain and promote health. Experience functional movement patterns in three planes of motion to enhance self-myofascial release without equipment. Enhance range of motion, strength, flexibility, and proprioceptive skills for a more active-functional life.
You’ll be able to:
Practice range of motion movements through control to improve flexibility and joint mobility.
Practice self-myofascial release techniques to enhance movement patterns.
Implement proprioceptive movements to ensure older adults maintain an active lifestyle.
Faculty: Manuel Velazquez, BA, ACE, Movement Specialist and Wellness Trainer, Rancho La Puerta Resort and Spa. CEUs
SASS: Seated, assisted, standing for active agersMindy Mylrea
Teaching a multilevel class is challenging, especially when the class includes active agers with a variety of ability levels. This workshop will define exercise selection for this population and then offer options, progressions and repressions for individuals who are seated or need balance assistance and participants who need no assistance at all. Arm yourself with the “what” and the “how” of seamlessly teaching this growing population.
You’ll be able to:
Implement a multilevel active-aging class that includes participants at a variety of ability levels.
Experience a class incorporating a cardio warm-up, assessment, strength, balance and mobility in the seated, assisted and standing positions.
Discuss the current research for assessments, dual-tasking, balance, gait and mobility.
Faculty: Mindy Mylrea, ACE, Owner, One Day to Wellness. CEUs
More purposeful and mindful fitness classesEmily Johnson
Engaging your participants should be about more than just the movements of your class. By fostering purpose, building knowledge and cultivating mindfulness, we can create richer, more engaging fitness experiences for participants. Explore practical strategies to make your classes more meaningful and empowering through offering opportunities for vocation, integrating education and peer support, and incorporating mindfulness practices. Inspire participants to own their fitness journeys while fostering a supportive, intentional community.
You’ll be able to:
Describe the role and identify three benefits of sense of purpose and mindfulness within fitness programming.
Identify three ways to incorporate purposeful activities into your classes and programming.
Identify three ways to incorporate mindful activities into your classes and programming.
After a day filled with enriching conference activities, pause to renew and reinspire yourself. Unwind, reflect on your experiences, and recharge your mind and body as you prepare for tomorrow. Enjoy breathing exercises, guided meditation, gentle stretching and other relaxation techniques to help you release tension and feel refreshed. Embrace this opportunity to prioritize your well-being and enter the following day with renewed energy and focus.
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“The ICAA Conference and Expo is an incredible resource for those of us working in fields supporting older adults to live their best lives. There are so many opportunities to learn, grow and connect. Such a great value that [will impact] on the work I do.”
Natalie Wilcox McCann Director of Community Life, Judson Park/HumanGood
