Abstract
Instead of addressing the “mechanics” of planning and implementing an exercise program (i.e., types of exercises, number of repetitions, etc.), this article focuses on the mental, emotional, and social aspects of physical activity programming for older adults. The overarching theme is that professionals who lead exercise programs can and should guide older adults based on the individual needs these participants bring to activity settings, rather than having older adults fit the characteristics of set activity programming and/or instructor preferences.