This 22-page colourfully illustrated booklet is printed in clear, large type. It treats the whole question of older adults physical activity in a light-hearted and nontechnical manner. Every older adult patient should receive one with his or her physician s endorsement. Older patients can also be directed to several simple exercise plans they can use on their own. The Merck Frosst Canada stretching poster, Your First Move, and the accompanying video, Moving to Live, present gentle stretching exercises to older adults.
Public libraries carry exercise and mobility videos for seniors.
Tai chi, yoga, and buoyancy jogging in warm-water pools are popular and easy on the joints while they improve mobility. The Physical Activity Guide for Older Adults along with brochures on community facilities and programs suitable for seniors. Dr Burgess is the British Columbia representative of the Seniors Advisory Committee of the Active Living Coalition of Older Adults. Dr Mackie is a member of the Physical Activity and Health Strategy Coordinating Committee. Ms O Brien Cousins is a professor in Exercise Gerontology on the Physical Education and Recreatrion Faculty at the Univsersity of Alberta.