Shared episode with the Modern Management of the Older Adult podcast.  This is a conversation with Dustin Jones from the Institute of Clinical Excellence. We discuss:Lessons learned teaching in cardiac rehab, senior living communities, and senior centersThe evolution and challenges of the SilverSneakers modelWhy language and programming matter in shaping the aging narrativeHow room setup, challenge, play, and choice influence confidence and engagementPractical ways instructors can foster connection and trust in movement spacesLinks:Programming for PossibilityBeyond SilverSneakers: Expanding the Future of Older Adult FitnessAbility, Not Age: Ending Ageist Assumptions in Physical Activity ProgrammingMMOA (Modern Management of the Older Adult)Sign up for the AGEnts of Movement Newsletter

Interview with Sabrena Joe PhD, Senior Director of Science and Education at the American Council on Exercise (ACE). We delve into the psychological aspects that influence motivation and wellbeing in group exercise, particularly for older adults. Sabrena elaborates on her research paper, which explores 'motivational climate' through the lens of self-determination theory, highlighting the core needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. She presents the RRAMP framework (Respect, Recognition, Alignment, Mistakes, Participant), a practical approach to creating a motivational climate in group classes. The discussion expands on how implementing RRAMP benefits both the psychological and physical aspects of exercise, fostering inclusive, effort-focused, and supportive environments. Links:ACE RRAMP ApproachSabrena Jo PhD on LinkedInConnect wtih AGEnts of Movement:www.agentsofmovement.com

This episode of the Agents of Movement podcast highlights conversations and moments from the past year, featuring passionate professionals dedicated to changing the narratives around aging and movement. The podcast, rebranded from Second Act Fit Pros, includes excerpts from various interviews and panels discussing topics such as combating ageism in physical activity, the transformative power of dance for those with Parkinson's, intergenerational fitness programs, the role of parkour in building movement confidence, and effective marketing strategies for engaging older adults in physical activity.Links to full Podcast episodes: Ability, Not Age-Rethinking How We Design and Deliver Movement Programs for Older AdultsAge is Not the Limit: Moving For Life With Wendy WelptonWildStrong: Creating Community and Movement in the OutdoorsDavid Leventhal: Dance for PD and the Impact of Dance on Parkinson’s DiseaseBridging Physical Therapy With Community Fitness For Older AdultsThe Movement Creative: Building Fall Resilience with Play and ParkourReclaiming Movement: How Parkour is Empowering Older Adults to Move With ConfidenceJay Croft: Strategies on Connecting and Marketing to the 50+ DemographicPlayful Connections: Redefining Movement Across Generations with Erica DeMarchPerson-Centered Care: Redefining Fall Prevention with Dr. DessyMicrodosing Movement: Breaking Barriers to Exercise  with John SinclairEmpowering Movement Through Language: Cheryl Whitelaw and Laura Dow

Laura Dow, founder of Stiff to Fit, and Cheryl Whitelaw, a Functional Movement Specialist and Feldenkrais Practitioner from Edmonton, Canada join the podcast. We dive deep into the topic of language and its impact on movement experiences, particularly for older adults. You'll learn how the words used by instructors can shape the confidence and participation of class members. Our conversation covers practical tips for using inclusive language, creating a sense of community, and challenging ageist assumptions. Whether you're a physical activity leader or someone passionate about lifelong movement, this episode offers valuable insights for fostering a positive and supportive environment through language. Connect with AGEnts of Movement and sign up for the newsletter:https://www.agentsofmovement.com/Links for Laura: Stifftofit.comLinkedInMind Your Movement BookLinks for Cheryl: https://www.peaceandpower.ca/Peace and Power YouTube Channel

Interview with John Sinclair, co-founder of Seven Movements and a leader in sport performance and personal training — to explore how microdosed, personalized movement routines can remove the biggest barriers to exercise. John breaks down the concept of microdosing movement: small, frequent bouts of physical activity tailored to each person’s preferences, abilities, and daily rhythms.We discuss why aligning movement with what clients love — and steering away from what they don’t — dramatically boosts adherence and confidence. The conversation dives into the psychological and physiological benefits of this approach, the power of “movement snacking,” and how it’s been successfully applied across diverse populations, including adults with chronic conditions.Movement professionals will walk away with practical strategies for creating more personalized, accessible, and meaningful movement experiences that help clients stay consistent for the long haul.Link to YouTube video demonstrating a pain relief technique:https://youtube.com/shorts/__HlynFLThsLinks:https://www.authentichealthcoaching.com/Instagram: @authentichealthcoach Seven MovementsEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Dessy, a geriatric physical therapist, to discuss fall prevention and how it's perceived among older adults. We cover the importance of positive messaging, the psychological impacts of fear of falling, and the significance of person-centered care. Dr. Desdy shares insights from her experience working in skilled nursing facilities and emphasizes the need for tailored strategies to improve movement and reduce fall risks. This conversation highlights the balance between safety protocols and empowering older adults to maintain their independence and quality of life.Connect with Dr. Dessy:http://linkedin.com/in/askdrdessyhttps://www.youtube.com/@AskDrDessyhttps://www.instagram.com/askdrdessywww.tiktok.com/@askdrdessyConnect with AGEnts of Movementhttps://www.agentsofmovement.com/

This episode highlights a project close to my heart: the Ability, Not Age paper — a collaborative effort by the Ability, Not Age Task Force, a team I brought together through what’s now known as Agents of Movement. Our goal was to challenge ageism in fitness and wellness by rethinking how we label and design programs for older adults.Too often, classes are defined by age — “Senior Fitness,” “Silver Yoga,” “Older Adult Strength” instead of by ability or interest. We wanted to flip that script and focus on what people can do and want from their movement experiences, regardless of their age.The result was the Ability, Not Age paper, portions of which were published by the American Society on Aging , soon to be published in the Journal on Active Aging. Our work also earned the Mather Institute Promising Practices Award, a recognition for innovative approaches to serving older adults.In this episode, you’ll hear from several of the writers who helped bring the paper to life. We’ll explore how the idea emerged, what it represents for the future of our field, and how we can all contribute to creating more inclusive, ability-centered movement spaces.If you’d like to stay connected or join future conversations like this one, visit agentsofmovement.com or subscribe to the newsletter for updates on events and upcoming discussions.Listen to past podcast interviews with the authors:Jojo McDuffie: The Impact of Rock Steady Boxing on Parkinson'sCheryl Whitelaw: Unlocking Lifelong MovementPatricia Linderman: Fierce After 45Jen Winters: From Nursing to Integrative and Functional NutritionHolly Benson: Medical Exercise SpecialistLaura Dow: Mind Your Movement

In this shared episode with Wendy Welpton, founder of Reclaim Movement and host of the Make Movement Matter podcast, we dive into the power of movement as we age and why it’s time to rewrite the story around aging and physical activity.After a running injury at 40 led to four years of chronic pain, Wendy discovered natural movement — a philosophy centered on training real-life, practical movements that help us stay strong, mobile, and capable throughout life. Now 51, she coaches others to move more and move better in everyday life through her Reclaim Movement membership and private coaching in Oxford, UK. She’s also the author of the upcoming book Move Well for Life: Unlock the Life-Changing Power of Everyday Movement (out January 2026).Together, we explore how to bring more play, function, and confidence into movement for older adults, challenge misconceptions about pain and aging, and promote a cultural shift toward joy, connection, and possibility at every age.Find out more about Reclaim Movement:Website - https://reclaimmovement.co.ukInstagram - https://instagram.com/@reclaim.movementYouTube - https://youtube.com/@reclaim.movementFacebook - https://facebook.com/reclaim.movement Podcast - 'Make Movement Matter' https://podfollow.com/make-movement-matter-with-wendy-welptonBook - 'Move Well for Life' https://geni.us/MoveWellForLife

Physical therapist Erica Demarch.shares her intergenerational program aimed at promoting physical activity among all ages. She developed a specialized program involving her book 'How Do You Balance Like That?' which educates on balance systems in an engaging way using animals. These programs, initially piloted with Parkinson's patients and children, emphasize confidence-building, playful movement, and mutual learning. They encourage interactions that break age-related stereotypes and foster a sense of purpose and connection. Despite challenges in sustainability, Erica emphasizes the importance of creativity and diverse program options to meet the different needs of the community.www.stepandconnect.comGenerations [email protected]://www.agentsofmovement.com/ 

Jay Croft, a marketing expert specializing in helping gyms engage the over-50 demographic. We talk about the essential marketing strategies and importance of understanding and targeting specific people based on their needs and locations. We discuss the significance of using appropriate imagery to represent older adults, addressing their unique concerns and motivations, and ensuring a welcoming experience. Jay also shares insights from his book 'Selling Longevity: Over 50 Fitness can Transform Lives and Your Business' The episode aims to equip physical activity leaders with tools to effectively market their programs, enhance participant engagement, and challenge age-related stereotypes.Links for Jay: Prime Fit Content Jay's book Selling LongevityConnect with AGEnts of movementwww.agentsofmovement.com