Resources > Program tools > Program tool 4

Program tool 4. Active living: Tips for supporting older adults at each stage of change

Helping people make changes involves providing the messages and activities that fit their stage of change. This tool describes each stage related to active living. It suggests what people at that stage might say. And, it includes key messages and suggestions for what you can do to support people at each stage. The idea is by tailoring your messages to a person’s stage, you can be more effective in helping that person move from one stage to the next.

Individuals in this stage are not thinking about making any change.

Individuals in this stage:

• Are not active and have no intention to be active in the next 6 months
• See no problem with being inactive

What they might tell you:

• “I don’t need exercise at my age.”
• “I have never exercised and am not about to start—I might hurt myself.”
• “I have no intention of starting an exercise program.”

What can you do?

• Help them to understand that they may be at risk because they are inactive. Provide information with statistics and stories about the risks of being inactive.
• Introduce the idea of change. For example: “Have you thought about what being active could do for you?”
• Help them identify the pro’s of becoming active and the con’s of staying inactive.

Sample messages:

• Thinking about your health? Active living can help…think about it.
• Thinking about staying independent? Active living can help… think about it.
• Worried about falling? Active living can help… think about it.

People in this stage are thinking about making a change.

Individuals in this stage:

• Recognize that change is beneficial, but may or may not have plans to change within the next month
• Are open to advice

What they might tell you:

• “I know I should, but I can’t now”
• “I’m not active right now but I’m thinking about it.”

What can you do?

• Motivate and increase their confidence in their ability to change.
• Help them think about some of the decisions they will have to make when they are ready to make changes. For example: they may need to purchase some walking shoes or give up some TV time for activity time.
• Show them how the cost of making changes to be active is less than being inactive. For example: walking most days of the week costs less than a stay in the hospital.
• Help them to prioritize their activities to include physical activity. For example: take a walk before breakfast instead of sitting and reading the paper.
• Help them plan how to get more active. For example: look at what they like to do, where and when they can be active and who could be their activity buddy.

Sample messages:

• It’s never too late to start getting active.
• Being active is good for you… here’s why (list the benefits).
• What have you got to lose if you’re a couch potato? (list the risks of inactivity).

Individuals in this stage are taking action and are making changes.

Individuals in this stage:

• Have made some changes in their activity level
• May be active on a regular basis
• May be at risk for relapses

What they might tell you:

• “I’m starting to become active, but wonder how I can keep motivated.”
• “I’m starting to be active, I wonder what other activities I could try.”

What can you do?

• Congratulate them on their efforts in becoming active.
• Encourage them to talk about the benefits they are getting from being active.
• Help them to follow through on other activities that could help them. For example: if they are walking—how to add stretches or strength training into their weekly activities.
• Suggest they plan for resisting temptations to skip physical activity sessions. Have problem solving discussion sessions around “what might interrupt your schedule to be physically active”.
• Help them follow through on activities with active living groups and activity buddies.

Sample messages:

• Getting active for your health? Great! Walking, Tai Chi, stretching, gardening and daily chores all contribute to health and independence.
• Do what moves you… walking, swimming, yoga, Tai Chi, stretching, gardening…
• Thinking about skipping active living today? Get a little help—go for a walk with a friend.
  

Previous:

Program tool 3

Next:

Program tool 5