"I'm just too old to start anything new like that."

"At my age, I don't think exercise is worthwhile."

"I used to exercise but I don't need to any more."

Provide information on the benefits of physical activity for older adults.

Find role models and support from friends.

Let them know that even frail older adults in their 90's are finding ways to be physically active-and it is helping them.

"I feel good and I don't think I need to exercise"

"What's all this malarkey about?"

Help them identify ways that they can build up to at least 30 minutes a day.

Handout 4 - Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults has guidelines from Health Canada.

"I don't like going to gyms or classes and I don't jog!"

"I don't know what to do."

Find activities that they do daily. Help them fit physical activity into this schedule. Show easy ways to get started and to build physical activity into their day.

Teach them simple home exercises.

Provide a list of moderate physical activities (gardening, walking, daily chores).

Have a video lending library for home exercises.

"I don't walk because I don't have energy."

"I just don't feel like exercising."

Help them find the reason that's important to them in becoming more active (health, socialization, fun, learning skills, stimulation, independence...).

Try some active living breaks: short and easy physical activity experiences can demonstrate a resulting stress release and a feeling of well being.

"I don't want to go to the class alone."

"I don't know anyone to go with."

Help them find an active living buddy.

Welcome them whenever they show up for the program.

Call them when they're not there-encourage them to come to the next activity.

"Exercise can harm you. Look at some of those athletes. They die suddenly!"

"The couple of times I walked, I found I was short of breath and had to sit down."

"I didn't like it."

Encourage older adults to consult with their health care provider to find out why and how they can be active.

Individualized programs can help minimize risks.

Moderate physical activity by older adults can help bring them to better health; indeed it often helps many chronic illness conditions.

Remind them that being inactive is risky behaviour.

Share information about risks of physical inactivity.

Research is clear: physical activity often helps people with chronic illnesses.

Encourage them to discuss physical activity benefits and options with their health care provider.

Some activities that can help prevent them from falling can be done in a chair, or holding onto something. The benefits of these activities can help keep them from falling while they're active.

Regular activity may help them get stronger and help prevent falls during the rest of their day

"I couldn't keep up with anybody..."

"I did not fit in."

"I was the oldest in the class."

"I felt discouraged and quit."

Help them to find an activity that they do like and that fits them.

Tailor some of your programs to the least fit in the group.

Help them learn about a variety of activities that are easy, require no experience and that they can do. It can even be as simple as walking in their home or street, exercising in a chair, doing Tai Chi or gardening.

Find out what they can do and build on that.

Provide clear instruction for beginners.

Offer 'try-it-out' sessions; have guest speakers; offer instructional programs.

Provide prizes, awards and recognition for achieving mini-goals.