There is substantial evidence showing that even light activities such as household chores, light walking, and even standing can have health benefits compared to sitting. Move More was developed in 2014 to target sedentary behaviour and promote physical activity of any kind.

Many older adults are discouraged or intimidated by physical activity because of fear of falling, fatigue, weakness, or even the perception that it is too late in life to start being active. While these barriers are real, most people do not realize that physical activity, in some form, is achievable for everyone. It doesn’t take much to gain the health benefits from moving more.

The goal of the Move More initiative is to encourage residents and team members to add more movement into their daily routines. This could be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or self-propelling in a wheelchair to the dining room. The initiative also involves promotional materials such as posters, buttons, guidebooks, and presentations. These materials are evidence-based, developed by the RIA, and were distributed to the long-term care and retirement homes involved. Move More looks different at each home because they were encouraged to do what works best for them. The full evaluation of Move More outlines what has worked well, areas of improvement, and recommendations for the initiative going forward.