Staying Active in Assisted Living: Fitness for All Abilities
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of leading a fitness class for adults in wheelchairs at a local assisted living facility. It was one of the most powerful and rewarding experiences I’ve had in a long time—and it reminded me of something we all need to hear more often:
Movement is for everyone. No matter your age, ability, or stage of life.
You can check out the video of the experience here.
Why Movement Matters at Every Phase of Life
We often associate exercise with six-pack abs or running marathons—but fitness goes far beyond aesthetics or athletic achievements. For older adults, especially those living in assisted living communities or facing mobility challenges, staying active is critical to maintaining quality of life.
Mobility is freedom. It’s the ability to do everyday things independently. It’s the ability to connect with others. And it’s a key factor in both physical and mental health.
In my time working with these incredible individuals, I saw firsthand how just 30 minutes of guided movement brought smiles, laughter, and a real sense of community. The energy in the room was electric—not because we were doing anything fancy, but because we were doing it together.
Fitness for Adults in Wheelchairs: The Benefits
You don’t have to be on your feet to enjoy the benefits of exercise. In fact, wheelchair fitness is growing in popularity as more people recognize the power of adaptive exercise for seniors and adults with disabilities.
Here are a few science-backed benefits of staying active in a wheelchair:
Improved circulation and heart health
Better joint mobility and muscle strength
Reduced risk of depression and anxiety
Improved sleep and energy levels
Greater independence in daily activities
Most importantly, it helps create moments of joy, connection, and confidence.
Building Community Through Movement
What struck me most during this class wasn’t just the physical activity—it was the community it built. Assisted living facilities can sometimes feel isolating. But when you bring people together in a space where they can laugh, stretch, and move without judgment, something beautiful happens.
Fitness becomes a vehicle for connection. It reminds people that they’re not alone—and that they’re capable of more than they think.
It’s Never Too Late to Start Moving
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Well, I haven’t worked out in years,” or “I’m in a wheelchair, so I can’t exercise”—I challenge you to think again.
You don’t need to be an athlete to move your body. You just need a willingness to start.
Even gentle seated exercises, resistance bands, or arm circles can help you build strength and feel better. It’s about consistency, not intensity.
Whether you’re 25 or 85, whether you walk or roll—movement matters.
Let’s Make Fitness More Inclusive
My mission going forward is to keep finding ways to bring adaptive fitness into more communities, especially for older adults and those with limited mobility. Everyone deserves access to health, wellness, and the healing power of movement.
If you’re an activity director, caregiver, or family member of someone in assisted living, consider introducing a seated fitness class or adaptive movement routine into their schedule. It might just change someone’s day—or their life.
