To assist prospective class members, encourage greater physical activity, promote inclusivity and to eliminate ageism in physical activity titles, best practice #1 is:
Title classes based on ability, not age.
For instance, if the class is for beginners, say “Beginner Pilates” in the title. Include what physical abilities the class requires to participate.
To indicate pace of class, consider a title like “Slow Flow Yoga” or “Quick Step Dance Class”.
If the class requires the ability to get up and down from the floor, use “Standing And Floor Yoga”
A prospective participant needs to know what the class is and what’s required for the class in order to choose wisely.
Titling a class Senior Pilates or Strength Training for Seniors doesn’t convey any information about the level or pace of the class.
Using clearer language helps participants evaluate classes and self-select accordingly.
Best practice #2: where possible, offer a continuum of group classes based on physical ability.
The older adult population includes a vast expanse of physical ability.
A 70-year-old may have years of regular yoga or Pilates classes. An 80-year-old may still be competitively rowing or participating in road races.
In the ideal world, class offerings cover the wide range of abilities present in older populations.
Eliminating age-based words in titles promotes inclusivity.
Many class participants enjoy being in mixed classes. Intergenerational communities can be very worthwhile.
Using age-based descriptors may exclude a number of participants who could benefit from taking the class.
Is the answer NEVER use age-based words?
No.
People of different ages may enjoy physical activity with people of a similar age.
Being in a group of like-minded people can promote connection and hope.
For instance, if a new older adult class member sees another older adult class member lifting heavier weights or taking Tai Chi, that modeling might demonstrate what’s possible for the new member and maybe even prompt a little healthy competition.
If the intention of the class is to build community among like-minded participants through physical activity, be clear about that in the title and include some language about ability.
“Parkour for Older Adults” or “Salsa for Teens” indicates like-minded groups but doesn’t indicate level.
“Beginning Parkour for Older Adults”or “Intermediate Salsa for Teens” is clearer. Adding actual physical requirements would be even more helpful.
And yes, “Parkour for Older Adults” classes exist.
In conclusion, this series highlights the ageist implications with using age-based descriptors in group physical activity class titles and offers several alternative ideas.
Ageist language may have affect class participants’ beliefs about their physical abilities, potentially leading to less physical activity and eventual deconditioning.