This fall I’ve had the privilege of sharing I Am Safe mind-body practices for older adult mental health and well-being through a Carver County SHIP (State Health Improvement) grant. It’s the second year I’ve led sessions in Norwood Young America and Waconia, MN, supporting well-being for older adults in assisted living communities.
This work grows out of my book I Am Safe, as well as years of experience leading senior chair yoga classes in St. Paul, MN, and facilitating accessible movement groups on the United Hospital geriatric mental health unit. When that hospital contract ended this past summer, a new question emerged:
If older adults in the community benefit from weekly chair yoga, and those in crisis gain skills in a hospital setting, what if we offered these practices as a proactive intervention in assisted living environments?
Older adults are facing a loneliness epidemic, and the need for crisis intervention is rising. Mobility often declines with age, yet gentle movement is key for longevity. Instead of requiring a gym or long walks, our sessions introduce simple tools—tapping, seated stretching, self-massage, and relaxation techniques—practices that can be used anytime, even at home on a Minnesota winter day. Learning together in a group strengthens social connection while improving mood, sleep, and cognition.
Here is a simple practice from the movemindfully Elder Card Deck that older adults can use to improve mobility, create feelings of safety, and increase focus:
Seated Eagle – Hugging in can help you feel safe. Sitting up tall, press one foot into the floor as you cross the other in front. Cross hands to opposite shoulders and hug in. Take 3-5 breaths here before switching sides.
So far, groups of 15–20 residents in Norwood Young America and Waconia assisted living are learning these skills for themselves and to share with others.
Interested in bringing an I Am Safe training or community of practice group to a senior living community? Contact us at info@move-mindfully.com.
Contact Common Bond. They have “Arts for the Aging” and this would be a great asset to the community. I watch countless people stay in their rooms day in and day out doing nothing. Simple movement would be such a benefit to the community and the mental health piece would be so important.
Just a thought.
Thanks,
Meg