The First Step to Active Health for Seniors

The First Step to Active Health® provides an evidence-based, progressive activity program for seniors and contains everything you need to get started with a physical activity program in an easy-to-read format. The program manual contains a simple self-assessment and tools to help individuals determine their goals and develop customized exercise programs. Individuals can simply check off functional tasks they have difficulty with and create specific goals in the manual. The program manual also contains hints on keeping motivated to exercise, as well as safety reminders. The First Step Activity log is used by the individual to keep track of the amount of time spent in each activity group. An individually packaged, 5 foot length of Thera-Band red resistive bands is included in each kit. *Caution: Persons with latex allergies should use Latex-Free Thera-Band resistive bands. Each Step has an easy-to-read, fold up activity guide that explains why, what, and when, where to start, and how to progress. The Cardio Activities section recommends both weight-bearing and non weight-bearing activities that are enjoyable. A Perceived Exertion Chart is included in the section to help individuals exercise at the appropriate level. The Flexibility Activities include simple stretches that target the muscles that are prone to tightness in older adults. The Strength Activities include exercises that use the elastic band included in the First Step kit, and help to improve functional activities of daily living. The Balance Activities exercises include a chair nearby for safety. Exercise progress from simple dynamic activities to using unstable foam surfaces and resistive exercises using elastic bands.

• The goal of the program is to improve health and functional ability, to promote independence, and to help prevent chronic disease and disability in adults over age 50

• A step-by-step approach to improve your physical abilities with a variety of simple activities, including cardio/aerobic, flexibility, strength, and balance activities

• Features normal older adults in full color with large print font

• An example of a "Best Practice" for older adult physical activity programs as described by the American College of Sports Medicine