www.albertakinesiology.ca

Alberta Health Services’ Active Anytime Anywhere is a health promotion program whose focus is to improve and sustain vitality and quality of life for low-income older adults in both subsidized community housing and designated assisted living sites by removing barriers to accessing active living programs and by empowering older adults to embrace an active lifestyle.There are two major components to the program. The first involves providing exercise sessions for groups of low-income older adults (55+ years). Classes of 45 – 60 minutes are held twice a week in 15 sites through out AHS - Edmonton area. Health promotion education presentations are held at each site up to four times per year. Throughout the year, up to three community outings that are physically active in nature are arranged for the residents in the community housing sites. These outings encourage a connection to active living opportunities available in the community such as swimming and lawn bowling. Also for the participants in subsidized community housing, an Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy consultation service is available to support participant success through consideration of physical and occupational performance concerns.The second major component of the program involves the coordination of a supportive network of volunteers and leaders from community agencies involved with programs and services that encourage older adults to embrace an active lifestyle. The Leaders’ Network provides an opportunity for information and resource sharing, networking and for members who attend in-services, a chance to obtain credits for the continuing education requirements of the Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association (AFLCA).