Challenges 

and Solutions

Through a word game and other activities, 

participants seek solutions to the challenges 

they may face as they try to eat more fruits 

and vegetables and exercise more. Session 2

Eat Smart, Live Strong

Nutrition Education for Older Adults

United States Department of Agriculture
Session 2

Welcome!

Each session guide includes a handout that 

describes four exercises. With an extra 10 

minutes before and after each session, you 

may lead participants in these exercises as 

a “warm-up” and a “cool-down.”

The four sessions in this kit are:

Session 1 Reach Your Goals, Step by Step

Session 2 Challenges and Solutions

Session 3 Colorful and Classic Favorites

Session 4 Eat Smart, Spend Less

Each session is designed to address specific

ways to help participants adopt the behaviors. 

To learn more about the behaviors, 

please see the Eat Smart, Live Strong 

Leader’s Guide.

You can use the session guides “as is” or 

tailor them to meet your group’s needs. 

Refer to the Leader’s Guide for tips on 

adjusting the session to meet the needs 

of your audience. The sessions are 

designed to flow nicely together, each 

session further reinforcing the key behavioral messages. However, you can use 

the sessions as stand-alone pieces if you 

do not have the opportunity to provide 

all four.

Enjoy!

The sessions are meant to be fun for you – the group leader – and for the participants.

Welcome to Eat Smart, Live Strong. This is one of four fun, social, and 

interactive sessions. The Eat Smart, Live Strong sessions are designed to 

help older adults adopt two behaviors that may improve their health and 

overall well-being. The two behaviors are:

 Eat at least 31/

2 cups of fruits and vegetables every day

 (11/

2 cups of fruit and 2 cups of vegetables) 

 Participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical 

 activity most days

1

2
Challenges and Solutions

Objectives for Session 2

n Name three solutions for overcoming 

challenges that may prevent them from 

eating at least 11/

2 cups of fruits and 2 

cups of vegetables every day.

n Name three solutions for overcoming 

challenges that may prevent them from 

Session Overview

n Participants have a chance to practice 

four simple exercises in an optional 

10-minute physical activity “warm-up.”

n In the session:

• The group reviews the two behaviors 

and their benefits.

• Participants report on progress 

toward their goals.

• Playing a word game, participants 

identify and discuss solutions that may 

help them overcome challenges to the 

two behaviors.

participating in at least 30 minutes of 

physical activity most days.

n Describe how they will use the Eat 

Smart, Live Strong “Smart” Card to 

start a conversation with their health 

providers about the value of the two 

behaviors.

• Participants make a commitment to 

take at least one step to overcome a 

challenge.

• Participants take home a “Smart” 

Card to help start a conversation with 

their health providers.

n Participants repeat the same four simple 

exercises in an optional 10-minute 

physical activity “cool-down.” They take 

home a sheet that visually depicts the 

exercises so they can do them at home.

How the Session Encourages Behavior

n Skills and self-confidence: When people discuss ways to overcome challenges, they see 

that they have greater confidence in their ability to eat more fruits and vegetables and be 

more physically active.

n Health provider support: “Doctor’s orders” are a powerful motivator for many people, 

especially for older adults. The “Smart” Card may help a nurse or doctor remember to 

emphasize the value of eating fruits and vegetables and of participating in physical activity.

n Peer support: Knowing that others in the group are also trying to overcome challenges

and adopt new behaviors may inspire participants to keep trying. Participants have a 

chance to see people like themselves succeed.

Session 2: Challenges and Solutions 1

Participants will be able to:

Session 2
Materials

n Pens or pencils for all participants

n A place to write so all can see:

• large sheets of paper (flip chart 

pages), masking tape, and markers; or

• chalk board and chalk; or

• white board and erasable markers

n Handouts:

• Handout 2a: Set Your Goals

• Handout 2b: Session 2 Exercises

• Handout 2c: My Commitment

• Handout 2d: “Smart” Card

• Handout 2e: Participant Feedback 

Sheet

Session 2

2 United States Department of Agriculture • Food and Nutrition Service • Eat Smart, Live Strong

Eat at least 3 1/

2 cups of fruits and vegetables every day. 1

2

 

Cups of

fruits

Minutes of

physical

activity

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

# of cup(s) # of cup(s) # of cup(s) # of cup(s) # of cup(s) # of cup(s) # of cup(s)

# of minutes # of minutes # of minutes # of minutes # of minutes # of minutes # of minutes

Participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days.

My Personal Goals

I will eat ________ cup(s) of fruits and ________ cup(s) of vegetables every day.

In the space provided, write the cups of fruits and vegetables you ate and the minutes of physical activity you 

completed each day.

Handout 2a: Eat Smart, Live Strong Revised November 2012

Session 2

Set Your Goals

Recommended Goals

I will get at least ________ minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on ________ days next week.

# of cup(s) # of cup(s) # of cup(s) # of cup(s) # of cup(s) # of cup(s) # of cup(s)

Cups of

vegetables

My Weekly Log
Preparation

n Become familiar with the challenges 

and solutions listed in the Word Game, 

Finding Your Solution answers so that 

you can guide participants’ discussions

(pages 16–17).

n Select four to six clues from the word 

game Finding Your Solution (pages 

18–19).

n Prepare the partially completed clues on 

a large sheet of paper and post where 

all can see.

Session 2

n Tailor Handout 2a, Set Your Goals. Make 

a blank “master” photocopy. On this 

master, fill in the dates for the current or 

upcoming week before you make copies 

for participants.

n Make copies of Handouts 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 

and 2e, one for each participant.

n Organize room so participants sit in a 

semicircle. If you do the physical activity 

segments, use straight-back, firm chairs 

arranged in a semicircle at least 2 feet

apart. 

Session 2: Challenges and Solutions 3

Circle a step you will take this week to help you 

eat more fruits and vegetables.

1. Shop with a friend or neighbor.

2. Use community van service.

3. Talk with my health care provider.

4. Buy fruits and vegetables that don’t require cutting

or chopping.

5. Buy frozen or canned fruits and vegetables.

6. Be sure that each meal has at least one fruit or vegetable.

7. Cook vegetables longer so they are softer and easier to eat.

8. Make an appointment to see my dentist.

9. Other _______________________________________

Session 2

My Commitment

Handout 2c: Eat Smart, Live Strong Revised November 2012

Fruits and Vegetables

Physical Activity

Circle a step you will take this week to be more 

physically active.

1. Find an exercise buddy.

2. Park the car farther from the store or office.

3. Dance around the house!

4. Invest in a good pair of supportive shoes.

5. Talk with my health care provider.

6. Call the community center or senior center to ask about classes.

7. Sign up for a low-cost exercise class.

8. Step up my pace when I have to walk somewhere.

9. Other _______________________________________

Fruits and Vegetables

1

2

Show this card to your health care provider during your next visit.

Session 2

“Smart” Card

Handout 2d: Eat Smart, Live Strong Revised November 2012

Turn Over

I am making an eort to eat at least 31⁄2 cups of fruits and vegetables every day.

I have several questions for you:

How would I benefit from eating at least 31⁄2 cups of fruits and vegetables every day?

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Are there any fruits or vegetables that I should avoid? Which ones?

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Cut along perforation

Fruits and Vegetables

1

2

Show this card to your health care provider during your next visit.

Session 2

“Smart” Card

Handout 2d: Eat Smart, Live Strong Revised November 2012 Turn Over

How would I benefit from eating at least 31⁄2 cups of fruits and vegetables every day?

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Are there any fruits or vegetables that I should avoid? Which ones?

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

I am making an eort to eat at least 31⁄2 cups of fruits and vegetables every day.

I have several questions for you:

Session 2

Exercises These exercises are designed to help you build strength,

improve balance, and increase flexibility. In addition to at

least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity,

include these exercises in your daily program.

• Stand behind chair, holding its back with 

both hands

• Lift straight up, rising onto toes

• Hold this position for 5 seconds

• Lower to a resting position, with heels on the floor

• Repeat 10 times 

1 Toe Raises

Handout 2b: Eat Smart, Live Strong Revised November 2012

Begin your exercise session by taking 5 deep breaths – 

in through your nose and out through your mouth. It

is important to keep breathing deeply throughout the

exercise session.
Session 2

Optional Physical Activity Warm-Up

4 United States Department of Agriculture • Food and Nutrition Service • Eat Smart, Live Strong

n Add 10 minutes for each optional 

“warm-up” and “cool-down” exercise 

session; they feature the same set of 

exercises and the same handout is used 

for both.

n Handout 2b has all of the instructions 

needed to lead Session 2 exercises.

n Participants will have a chance to try 

the same movements twice.

n This repetition, along with the handout, 

will give participants the skills, selfconfidence, and tools to do these 

exercises on their own at home.

n Most group leaders will find the 

exercises simple to lead.

n You do not need to be a skilled exercise 

instructor to lead these exercises, but 

you may want to try them out ahead 

of time so you will be comfortable 

demonstrating them. 

n Keep in mind that you do not have to 

use all of the exercises presented in 

this session. You may want to tailor the 

physical activities to meet the needs 

of each group.

In addition to talking about the value of physical activity, you have 

the option of leading participants through several simple exercises at 

the beginning and end of each session.
n Explain that these exercises can improve 

strength, balance, and flexibility. 

n Assure participants that most will find 

these four simple exercises easy to do and 

many will be familiar with the exercises. 

n Let them know that if they do not feel 

comfortable or have a physical condition 

that prevents them from doing any or 

all of the exercises, it is OKAY to sit 

them out; if they feel pain, discomfort, 

or fatigue while exercising, they should 

not hesitate to stop or take a break; 

and, if they need assistance, they should 

let you know right away.

n Pass out Handout 2b, Session 2 

Exercises and ask participants to take a 

look at it.

n State the four exercises on the handout:

• Toe Raises

• Side Leg Raises

• Wall Push-Ups

• Abdominal Crunches

n Lead Session 2 Exercises 1-4, using 

Handout 2b and directing participants to 

look at the pictures.

n Demonstrate the exercises, make sure 

participants can see you, giving a 

few, simple verbal instructions. Have 

participants follow along as you repeat 

each exercise.

n Check whether the group is doing each 

exercise correctly and help those who 

appear to need additional instruction.

n Be sure to encourage and give positive 

feedback to participants as they try 

the exercises.

Exercises

Session 2

Session 2: Challenges and Solutions 5

Keep in mind that you do not have to teach all of the exercises presented in this session. 

For more ideas, visit the website Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults for 

more ideas. http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/growingstronger/.

Tip! Tailoring the Exercises

Toe Raises Side Leg Raises Wall Push-Ups Abdominal Crunches
n Introduce the session. Let participants know that this is the 

second of four sessions in the Eat Smart, Live Strong series 

and that today’s session is “Challenges and Solutions.”

n Acknowledge familiar faces. Give a big hello to those who 

attended earlier sessions and assure newcomers that they will find 

it easy to join in even though this is their first session. 

n Introduce yourself. Mention one challenge you face in being 

physically active for 30 minutes most days. Ask participants to 

introduce themselves by stating their names and answering the 

question: “What is the biggest challenge you face when you think 

about participating in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most 

days?” List each challenge mentioned on a flip chart or chalk 

board for all to see. You will use this list later in the session.

Session 2

6 United States Department of Agriculture • Food and Nutrition Service • Eat Smart, Live Strong

1 Welcome and Introductions

The Session
Session 2

Session 2: Challenges and Solutions 7

n Set a warm and relaxed tone for the session. Let participants 

know that you hope to learn from their experiences and that 

they may offer comments or ask questions at any time.

n State the purpose of today’s session. Participants will identify 

solutions to some of the problems they face when trying to eat 

at least 31/

2 cups of fruits and vegetables every day and trying to 

participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.

n Share the length of the session. Let people know that the 

session will take about an hour. Mention other helpful 

information such as the location of the restrooms, water 

fountains, or exit areas.
Challenges and Solutions

n Explain that the Eat Smart, Live Strong program focuses on two 

important behaviors. These are two actions that health experts 

recommend to improve the health and well-being of people of 

all ages:

 Eat at least 31/

2 cups of fruits and vegetables every day

 Participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity 

 physical activity most days

n Mention that the amount of fruits and vegetables for any person 

depends on activity level, age, and gender. Point out that older 

adults should eat at least 31/

2 cups each day.1

 One and a half 

cups should be fruit. Two cups should be vegetables.

Two Important Behaviors 

and Their Benefits

Session 2

2

8 United States Department of Agriculture • Food and Nutrition Service • Eat Smart, Live Strong

1

2

1

 Based on the segment of the target audience with the lowest caloric need – sedentary women (1,600 calories per day).

For older adults who are more active, recommend 2 cups of fruits and 21/

2 cups of vegetables (2,000 calories per day).

11/

2 cups + 2 cups 11/

2 cups 2 cups = 31/

2 cups of 

Fruits and Vegetables1

Fruits Vegetables
n Ask participants to name some of the benefits of eating 31/

2

cups of fruits and vegetables every day. Make sure the 

following are mentioned:

• Get some of the vitamins, minerals, and fiber needed to 

maintain good health

• Maintain regularity

• Help prevent or delay the effects of chronic conditions such 

as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and heart disease

• Add color, taste, and variety to the diet

n Ask participants to list some of the ways they can be physically 

active. Be sure to include examples of moderate-intensity 

physical activity such as:

Session 2

Session 2: Challenges and Solutions 9

n Discuss the benefits of engaging in 30 minutes of moderateintensity physical activity most days. Mention the following:

• Help prevent or delay the effects of chronic disease

• Feel better

• Decrease mild stress, anxiety, and depression

• Build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, 

and joints

• Improve strength 

• Increase balance and reduce the risk 

of falling 

• Improve sleep

• Walking 

 briskly

• Mowing the 

 lawn

• Aerobics

• Weight lifting

• Jogging

• Dancing

• Swimming

• Stationary cycling

• Active walking 

or running with 

grandchildren
3 Measuring Your Goals

Session 2 Challenges and Solutions

10 United States Department of Agriculture • Food and Nutrition Service • Eat Smart, Live Strong

n Those who participated in Session 1 set goals for themselves 

for both behaviors. Some may have brought back the handout, 

Set Your Goals, on which they recorded their daily success. Ask 

them to share their progress with the group. 

n Invite participants to share their successes. Ask participants 

to describe what has made it easier for them to do the two 

behaviors. Write their responses where all can see them. This list 

may include some important solutions to challenges, so you will 

refer to it later in this session.

n Have the group congratulate those who have made 

progress toward their goals.

n Hand out copies of Handout 2a to those who wish 

to continue tracking their success.
Word Game: Finding Your Solution

n Show participants the list of challenges to physical activity that 

they mentioned when they introduced themselves. Ask them to 

list some of the challenges they face when they try to eat 31/

2

cups of fruits and vegetables every day. 

n Tell them to take a minute to review the challenges and then 

identify two or three eating and physical activity challenges that 

they face. Ask them to individually think of one solution to each 

of the challenges they chose for themselves. 

n Ask volunteers to share some of the challenges with the group.

n Tell them that they are about to play a word game called 

Finding Your Solution. (See pages 16–19 in this booklet). Assure 

participants that this will help them to think about a variety of 

positive ways to address some of the challenges they face in 

achieving the two key behaviors. The instructions for the game 

follow. Become familiar with the pages so that you know the 

solutions for each of the clues.

• Participants should separate into two teams. Have 

participants count off by twos.

• Participants will see a partial phrase written on a sheet of 

paper in the front of the room.

• Participants from one team will guess a letter for the word 

puzzle. If the letter is included in the puzzle, the letter is 

written in all appropriate spaces in the puzzle. The team 

continues to guess letters until they solve the puzzle or an 

incorrect letter is guessed.

	 • If an incorrect letter is guessed, it is written in a separate section 

of the paper for everyone to see. This will help participants to 

not repeat letters already guessed. The other team is then 

given an opportunity to guess letters for the puzzle. Teams will 

continue to take turns guessing until the puzzle is solved. 

4 Skills-Building Activity

Session 2

Session 2: Challenges and Solutions 11
	 •	 Teams may solve the puzzle before all the letters are guessed. 

Remember to complete missing letters if the puzzle is solved 

before all the letters are guessed.

• The clues will be some of the challenges to the Eat Smart, 

 Live Strong behaviors. The answers will be solutions that 

 could make the behaviors easier to achieve.

n Spend a moment talking about the solution. Ask questions such as:

	 • How many of you face this challenge?

	 • Would this solution help you to eat more fruits and vegetables?

	 • Would this solution help you to be more physically active?

	 • Who might try this solution this week?

n Post another puzzle and repeat the same steps for this round. 

Once participants have solved the puzzle, have them compare 

some of their solutions with those identified in the game and 

discuss which option might work best for them.

n Continue posting new rounds of play and discussing the 

solutions. After about 10 minutes, close the game.

My Commitment

n Pass out Handout 2c, My Commitment. Encourage each participant to check at least one solution he or she would be willing to 

try this week to overcome a personal challenge to eating more 

fruits and vegetables. Read aloud the list of possible solutions for 

eating fruits and vegetables. Repeat the process for the list of 

physical activity solutions. Assure participants that they can use 

their own solutions if none of the ones listed suit their needs.

n Ask participants to share with the group the commitments they 

have made for this week.

Session 2 Challenges and Solutions

Skills-Building Activity continued

 Word Game continued

4

12 United States Department of Agriculture • Food and Nutrition Service • Eat Smart, Live Strong

Circle a step you will take this week to help you 

eat more fruits and vegetables.

1. Shop with a friend or neighbor.

2. Use community van service.

3. Talk with my health care provider.

4. Buy fruits and vegetables that don’t require cutting

or chopping.

5. Buy frozen or canned fruits and vegetables.

6. Be sure that each meal has at least one fruit or vegetable.

7. Cook vegetables longer so they are softer and easier to eat.

8. Make an appointment to see my dentist.

9. Other _______________________________________

Session 2

My Commitment

Handout 2c: Eat Smart, Live Strong Revised November 2012

Fruits and Vegetables

Physical Activity

Circle a step you will take this week to be more 

physically active.

1. Find an exercise buddy.

2. Park the car farther from the store or office.

3. Dance around the house!

4. Invest in a good pair of supportive shoes.

5. Talk with my health care provider.

6. Call the community center or senior center to ask about classes.

7. Sign up for a low-cost exercise class.

8. Step up my pace when I have to walk somewhere.

9. Other _______________________________________
“Smart” Card

n Hand everyone a copy of Handout 2d, “Smart” Card. Point out 

that medical experts recommend the two behaviors. Tell 

participants that the “Smart” Card can be used to write down 

any questions they may have for their health care providers 

about eating fruits and vegetables and about exercising. 

n Encourage participants to use the “Smart” Card to start a 

conversation about healthy eating and physical activity with 

their health care provider.

Session 2

Session 2: Challenges and Solutions 13

Fruits and Vegetables

1

2

Show this card to your health care provider during your next visit.

Session 2

“Smart” Card

Handout 2d: Eat Smart, Live Strong Revised November 2012

Turn Over

I am making an eort to eat at least 31⁄2 cups of fruits and vegetables every day.

I have several questions for you:

How would I benefit from eating at least 31⁄2 cups of fruits and vegetables every day?

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Are there any fruits or vegetables that I should avoid? Which ones?

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Cut along perforation

Fruits and Vegetables

1

2

Show this card to your health care provider during your next visit.

Session 2

“Smart” Card

Handout 2d: Eat Smart, Live Strong Revised November 2012

Turn Over

How would I benefit from eating at least 31⁄2 cups of fruits and vegetables every day?

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Are there any fruits or vegetables that I should avoid? Which ones?

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

I am making an eort to eat at least 31⁄2 cups of fruits and vegetables every day.

I have several questions for you:

Physical Activity

1

2

Show this card to your health care provider during your next visit.

Session 2

“Smart” Card

Handout 2d: Eat Smart, Live Strong Revised November 2012

I have some questions for you:

How would I benefit from participating in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days?

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Are there any precautions I should take or any activities I should avoid? Which ones?

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Cut along perforation

Physical Activity

1

Show this card to your health care provider during your next visit.

Session 2

“Smart” Card

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________

____________________________________

__________________________

_________________

I have some questions for you:

I am also trying to participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.

I am also trying to participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.

How would I benefit from participating in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days?

recautions I should take or any activities I should avoid? Which ones?
n Recap the main point of this session: participants should be able 

to find a simple solution to most of the challenges that make it 

hard to eat fruits and vegetables or to exercise.

n Encourage participants to try out a solution this week so 

that they can reach their goals. Suggest that they use the 

“Smart” Card to talk with a health care provider about the 

two behaviors.

n Thank participants for joining this session and invite them to the 

next session, letting them know the time and place.

n Remind participants to bring their completed Set Your Goals

handout to the next session so they can report on their 

progress. Provide extra copies of the Set Your Goals handout 

to those who want them.

5 Wrap-Up

Session 2 Challenges and Solutions

14 United States Department of Agriculture • Food and Nutrition Service • Eat Smart, Live Strong

1. How useful wa

learned from t

(Mark one res

 Not a

 Some

 Usef

 Very 

 Why or wh

 ________

 _______

 _______

 ______

2. Are you 

and veg

(Mark 

 

 

 

3. Are 

phy

(Ma

4. W

 

 

 

 

Please take a few m

leader. Your comm

Today’s Date: ___

T

Hand

Revised 

Session 2 Par

for Se
Session 2

Session 2: Challenges and Solutions 15

n Let participants know that their honest feedback about today’s 

session will help you to improve the session for future groups. 

Using the Participant Feedback Sheet (Handout 2e) and/or 

through discussion, ask some of these questions:

• What new thing did you learn?

	 • Which part of the session was most important to you?

	 • Do you think goal-setting will help you eat at least 31/

2 cups 

of fruits and vegetables every day?

	 • Will your goals help you to participate in at least 30 minutes 

of physical activity most days of the week?

	 • How could we make the session better?

	 • How did you hear about today’s session? – or – How did you 

hear about the Eat Smart, Live Strong program?

n If you are using the written Participant Feedback Sheets, assure 

participants that this is not a test – and that there are no wrong 

answers! Encourage honest opinions. Help people who have 

difficulty writing. Collect the feedback sheets. You will find 

it useful to review participants’ responses. Tabulating their 

answers can help you find ways to improve the session before 

your next group. The feedback may also serve as a report on 

your educational activities.

as the information you

this session?

sponse.)

at all useful

ewhat useful

ful

y useful

why not? 

______________________

_______________________

_______________________

________________________

u planning to eat more fruits

getables next week?

 one response.)

 Yes

 No

 I am not sure

 you planning to increase your

ysical activity next week?

Mark one response.)

 Yes

 No

 I am not sure

What did you like the most about 

this session?

_____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

5. What did you like the least about 

this session?

 _____________________________

 _____________________________

 _____________________________

 _____________________________

6. How did you hear about this

Eat Smart, Live Strong session?

(Mark all that apply.)

 Supplemental Nutrition 

 Assistance Program office

 Friend 

 Senior center

 Poster 

 Flyer 

 Newsletter

 Place of worship

 Other – specify

 _____________________________

7. In which programs do you participate? 

(Mark all that apply.)

 Supplemental Nutrition 

 Assistance Program

 Commodity Supplemental 

 Food Program

 Senior Farmers’ Market 

 Nutrition Program

 Home delivered meals

 Congregate meals

 Food bank or pantry

moments to complete this form. Return this sheet to the group 

ments will help the leader continue to improve the session.

______________________________

Thank you for participating in Eat Smart, Live Strong!

dout 2e: Eat Smart, Live Strong 

d November 2012

rticipant Feedback Sheet

ession 2, Challenges and Solutions
Review these lists of challenges 

and solutions for eating 31/

2

cups of fruits and vegetables 

each day, so that you are ready to 

help participants identify ways 

to make the behavior easier.

Challenges

1. Fruits and vegetables can be expensive 

when purchased out of season.

2. I have health problems and can’t eat

 many fruits and vegetables.

3. Grocery shopping is physically difficult 

 for me.

4. It’s too hard for me to prepare fruits and

 vegetables due to my health.

5. Fruits and vegetables don’t fill me up.

6. Fruits and vegetables cost too much.

7. Fruits and vegetables give me stomach

problems.

8. Fresh fruits and vegetables spoil too 

 easily.

9. Fruits and vegetables are hard to chew.

10. I can’t get to the store to buy fruits 

 and vegetables.

Solutions 

1. Purchase fruits and vegetables that are

 in season.

2. If you have health problems, talk with your 

 doctor, nurse, or nutritionist about which 

 fruits and vegetables you can eat and how 

 they should be prepared.

3. Ask a friend or relative to help you shop.

4. Use a wheelchair at the grocery store.

5. Ask for assistance from store personnel to 

help you carry your bags or assist you in 

removing items from grocery shelves.

6. Buy fruits and vegetables that don’t require 

cutting or chopping.

7. Purchase chopped, ready-to-eat fruits and 

 vegetables.

8. Ask a friend or relative to help you cut, chop, 

or core your fruits and vegetables.

9. Combine fruits and vegetables with other

 dishes you like to help satisfy your appetite.

10. Introduce fruits and vegetables slowly into 

 your diet, if you haven’t eaten many up to 

 this point.

11. Try various fruits and vegetables to determine which ones you can eat, without 

causing stomach problems.

12. Purchase single-serving packages of fruits

 and vegetables.

13. Be sure that each meal includes at least one 

fruit or vegetable.

14. Purchase frozen fruits in 100% juice or low-

 sodium vegetables.

15. Cook vegetables longer so they are softer 

 and easier to eat.

16. See your dentist regularly to decrease 

mouth pain and make chewing easier.

17. Visit your local farmers’ market or food 

 co-op to find less expensive items.

18. Purchase canned or frozen fruits or 

 vegetables on sale.

19. Talk with your local Area Agency on Aging 

to find out what free or reduced-price 

transportation services there are in your 

community.

20. Try fruits as dessert instead of cake or cookies.

Session 2

16 United States Department of Agriculture • Food and Nutrition Service • Eat Smart, Live Strong

Word Game:

Finding Your Solution

Challenges and Solutions
Session 2

Session 2: Challenges and Solutions 17

Challenges

1. I don’t know if I’m healthy enough to do it.

2. I don’t have the time.

3. I have physical limitations – muscle, joint, 

vision, heart, sore feet, etc.

4. I don’t like to exercise.

5. There is no convenient, safe place for me 

to walk or do other exercises.

6. Classes, memberships, or equipment 

cost too much.

7. I don’t know how to do exercises correctly, 

 and I’m afraid I might injure myself.

Solutions

1. Find ways to make exercising a social event.

2. Choose physical activity that is fun to do.

3. Get instruction or coaching to learn the right 

way to exercise.

4. Start out slowly and gradually increase the 

effort level.

5. Stretch your muscles before and after you 

exercise, to avoid soreness later.

6. Find an exercise buddy.

7. Park the car farther away from the store or 

 office and walk a little bit to get to your 

 final destination.

8. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

9. Walk and talk with friends.

10. When caring for grandchildren, join in

 their active games.

11. Dance around the house.

12. Recognize that being stronger and having 

better balance means you are less likely to fall. 

13. Invest in a good pair of supportive shoes.

14. Find out about centers that offer exercise 

 classes at low cost and in convenient places; 

 check out the YMCA, YWCA, senior center, 

 or a community center. 

15. Join a dance class at a local community 

 center, choosing a dance style you enjoy – 

 tap, modern, hand dancing, swing, square 

 dancing, etc.

16. Step up your pace whenever you have 

someplace to walk.

17. If it’s cold outside, try walking at your 

local mall.

Review these lists of challenges 

and solutions for participating in 

30 minutes of physical activity most 

days, so that you are ready to help 

participants identify ways to make 

the behaviors easier.

Word Game:

Finding Your Solution
Prior to the session, select the solutions from the list below that are most 

likely to be useful to the participants in your group. For each round of the 

word game, prepare a large flipchart sheet with the partially completed 

solution – using the guides below.

Round 1

Clue: I’m diabetic and am afraid to eat certain fruits.

Solution: SPEAK WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE.

Write this on the board:

__ __ E A __ __ I__ __ __OU__ __O__ __ O __ O__ __U__ __ E.

Round 2

Clue: Grocery shopping is physically difficult for me.

Solution: ASK A FRIEND OR RELATIVE TO HELP YOU SHOP.

Write this on the board:

A __ __ A __ __ I E __ __ O__ __ E __ A __ I __ E __ O __ E __ __ __ O U __ __ O __.

Round 3

Clue: It’s too hard for me to prepare vegetables due to my arthritis.

Solution: BUY READY-TO-EAT VEGETABLES.

Write this on the board:

__ U__ __ E A __ __ - __O - E __ T __ E __ E __ A __ __ E __.

Round 4

Clue: Vegetables cost too much.

Solution: BUY FROZEN VEGETABLES ON SALE.

Write this on the board:

__U__ __ __ O __ E __ __ E __ E __ A __ __ E __ O__ __ A __ E.

Round 5

Clue: Fresh fruits and vegetables spoil too easily.

Solution: BUY FROZEN OR CANNED.

Write this on the board:

__U __ __ __ O __ E __ O __ __ A __ __ E __.

Round 6

Clue: Fruits and vegetables are hard to chew.

Solution: COOK THEM LONGER.

Write this on the board:

__O O__ __ __E __ __ O __ __ E __. 

Word Game: Finding Your Solution

Session 2 Challenges and Solutions

18 United States Department of Agriculture • Food and Nutrition Service • Eat Smart, Live Strong
Round 7

Clue: I can’t get to the store to buy fruits and vegetables.

Solution: USE COMMUNITY VAN SERVICE.

Write this on the board:

U __ E __ O __ __ U __ I __ __ __ A __ __ E __ __ I __ E. 

Round 8

Clue: I wasn’t raised eating many fruits and vegetables.

Solution: TRY EATING FRUIT FOR DESSERT.

Write this on the board:

__ __ __ E A __ I __ __ __ __ U I __ __ O __ __ E __ __ E __ T.

Round 9

Clue: I don’t know if I’m healthy enough to exercise.

Solution: CHECK WITH A NURSE OR DOCTOR.

Write this on the board:

__ __ E __ __ __ I __ __ A __ U __ __ E O__ __ O__ __ O __.

Round 10

Clue: I don’t have time to exercise.

Solution: TAKE STAIRS INSTEAD OF ELEVATOR.

Write this on the board:

__ A __E __ __A I __ __ I __ __ __ E A __ O __ E __ E __ A __ O __.

Round 11

Clue: Walking in my neighborhood is not safe – or – the weather is bad.

Solution: WALK AT THE SHOPPING MALL.

Write this on the board:

__ A __ __ A __ __ __ E __ __ O __ __ I __ __ __ A __ __.

Round 12

Clue: I’m not someone who exercises.

Solution: START OUT SLOWLY.

Write this on the board:

__ __ A __ __ O U __ __ __ O __ __ __.

Round 13

Clue: I might injure myself.

Solution: GET INSTRUCTION.

Write this on the board:

__ E __ I __ __ __ __ U __ __ I O __.

Round 14

Clue: Exercise classes cost too much.

Solution: DANCE AROUND THE HOUSE.

Write this on the board:

__ A __ __ E A __ O U __ __ __ __ E __ O U __ E.

Round 15

Clue: Exercise is boring.

Solution: WALK AND TALK WITH FRIENDS.

Write this on the board:

__ A __ __ A __ __ __ A __ __ __ I __ __ __ __ I E __ __ __.

Session 2

Session 2: Challenges and Solutions 19
n Announce that the last activity in 

today’s session will be 10 minutes of 

“cool-down” exercises.

n Emphasize that if they do not feel 

comfortable or have a physical condition 

that prevents them from doing any or 

all of the exercises it is OKAY to sit 

them out; if they feel pain, discomfort, 

or fatigue while exercising, they should 

not hesitate to stop or take a break; 

and, if they need assistance, they should 

let you know right away.

n Ask participants to look at Handout 2b 

before they begin. Remind them that they 

will take the handout home and could try 

these exercises most days of the week.

n If you have noticed some participants 

who are comfortable with the exercises, 

you might invite a participant to lead 

the group in one of the exercises; or ask 

the participant to help others who may 

be having difficulty.

n Thank the group again for their participation. Express the hope that they see 

adding a little physical activity to their 

day can be fun and easy. Suggest that 

they do these simple exercises with a 

friend or family member.

Following the 30-minute session, add 10 minutes to lead the same set of 

exercises with which you opened this session. If you opted not to do the 

“Warm-Up,” refer to pages 4-5 for more explanation.

Session 2

Optional Physical Activity Cool-Down

20 United States Department of Agriculture • Food and Nutrition Service • Eat Smart, Live Strong
Eat Smart, Live Strong Activity Kit

The Eat Smart, Live Strong Activity Kit offers a set of learning 

experiences to facilitate older adults’ adoption of two important 

behaviors that can improve almost everyone’s health and quality 

of life:

 Eat at least 31/

2 cups of fruits and vegetables every day

 Participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days

Because knowledge is not enough for people to adopt healthful 

habits, the kit takes a behavioral approach that builds on applied 

behavioral theory and prior research. The sessions and materials 

were tested with staff and group leaders in nutrition sites. 

Handouts were also tested with potential participants – low-income 

adults between 60 and 74 years old who are eligible for USDA 

Food and Nutrition Service’s programs.

1

2
United States Department of Agriculture

Food and Nutrition Service

3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302

The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Revised November 2012