Exercise Programme for Older Adults

We asked instructors and organisers how they experience Activity Bench sessions with older adults.

Experiences from over 550 sessions, ranging from residential care centres to city parks...

We’ve summarised the insights, scroll down to read more.

What makes Activity Bench sessions so valuable for older adults?

“Older adults stay active and independent for longer if they keep moving. And the Activity Bench helps with that. We see a lot of positive reactions, especially when the programme is adapted to their level and social needs.”

What do you mean by social needs?

“We noticed that there’s a strong focus on being together. A coffee moment after the session, walking in a group, or just enjoying being active outside together. That social aspect really makes a difference.”

How are the sessions organised in practice?

“In residential care centres – intramural – we often see shorter sessions, on average 26 minutes, twice a week. Extramural – for example via the sports department – sessions last nearly an hour, usually once a week. In both cases, a circuit setup is used around or near the bench.”

What about the exercises themselves?

“There’s a strong focus on fall prevention, so balance and leg muscles are often central. Instructors choose exercises that participants can repeat on their own afterwards, even without guidance.”

Who are the typical participants?

“That varies. In residential care centres it’s often still-active residents, but people with walkers or wheelchairs also join. Outside of care centres, it’s mostly community-dwelling, often active older adults. And still the offer is very inclusive: people living in poverty, people with disabilities — everyone is welcome.”

How do you reach those people?

“Care centres mainly rely on word of mouth. Outside of care centres, flyers, social media and local associations play a major role. Interestingly, 2 out of 3 sessions don’t use ‘Activity Bench’ in their name. They go for titles like ‘Walking Workouts’ or ‘Fit Together’.”

What are the key success factors according to organisers?

“A good location is crucial: green, quiet, familiar and accessible. Also: involve stakeholders early, keep it low-threshold, and make sure there’s enough space around the bench – especially with large groups or circuit training.”