Community Workshops
Vitality At Home teaches practical, interactive workshops on healthy aging in the Grand Rapids community, led by our physical therapists. Here are the topics we offer. To ask about an upcoming workshop or bring one to your group, call us at (616) 644-9155.
Forever Able: The Essentials for Thriving After 55
Getting older doesn’t mean slowing down—it means getting smarter about how we move, fuel our bodies, and live with purpose. As we age, staying strong and independent takes a little more intention—but the rewards are well worth it.
In this fun and interactive workshop, you’ll learn the four key pillars of thriving after 55: Exercise, Nutrition, Sleep, and Purpose. We’ll break down how each area impacts your energy, strength, mood, and long-term independence—and most importantly, what you can do today to take control of your health and future.
Whether you want to keep up with your grandkids, travel with confidence, or simply feel your best each day, this session will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and inspired.
Move Better-Hurt Less with Arthritis
Arthritis is common—but that doesn’t mean you just have to “live with it.” Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for years, there are things you can do to move with more comfort and confidence.
This free, interactive workshop is designed for adults 55+ who want real-life strategies to reduce stiffness, ease pain, and stay active. We’ll cover joint-friendly exercises, posture tips, and simple daily habits that support mobility—no complicated routines or fancy equipment required.
If you’re ready to feel stronger, move better, and take control of your arthritis, this session is for you!
Every Day Ergonomics
Aches and pains don’t have to be part of the daily routine. From getting out of bed to traveling with ease, small changes in how we move and set up our spaces can make a big difference.
In this fun and practical workshop, you’ll learn how to reduce strain and improve comfort during everyday activities—so you can keep doing the things you love with less pain and more ease. We’ll cover everything from posture tips to travel hacks, plus simple strategies to prevent stiffness, fatigue, and injury.
Bring your questions—there will be time for Q&A with Jenna Smith, PT, DPT, GCS, and Certified Health & Wellness Coach. This session is perfect for anyone looking to stay active, independent, and pain-free at home and on the go!
Creating Confidence from the Ground Up
Falls happen no matter what your age! The difference as we get older is the consequences of a fall. 1 in every 3 seniors will fall each year and every 11 seconds a senior will be seen in an emergency room for a fall related injury.
We all know the best way to avoid an injury from a fall is to not fall at all! But what if we accepted the reality that falls happen and we learned how to “fall safely” and how to get back up from the fall? What if instead of focusing on prevention, we learned how to be prepared?
This workshop will teach you how your balance confidence impacts your risk for falls, teach you how to improve your confidence and give you tips for falling safely. It will also cover how to properly use canes, walking sticks and walkers to ensure what is supposed to help you does not hinder you!
Take Back Control: Understanding and Managing Incontinence
Bladder leakage may be common as we age, but it is not something you simply have to “live with.” Whether you experience occasional urgency, frequent trips to the bathroom, or leaks when you laugh, cough, or exercise, there are effective strategies that can help.
In this informative and encouraging workshop, we’ll explore the common causes of urinary incontinence, how the bladder and pelvic floor work together, and practical steps you can take to improve bladder control and confidence. You’ll learn simple lifestyle modifications, healthy bladder habits, and when to seek professional help for symptoms that may be impacting your daily life.
Whether you’re looking for answers for yourself or supporting a loved one, this session will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and hopeful—because bladder leaks may be common, but they are treatable.
Understanding Parkinson’s
Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s, supporting someone who is, or simply curious to learn more, this engaging educational session with Vitality at Home will provide a practical introduction to Parkinson’s disease. We’ll explore what Parkinson’s is, common symptoms and movement changes, and how the condition can impact everyday life.
You’ll also learn practical strategies for supporting mobility, balance, independence, and quality of life, along with helpful resources and support options for individuals and families. Come with your questions. This session is designed to be informative, approachable, and valuable whether Parkinson’s is part of your life or you simply want to better understand it.
Ask about upcoming dates or scheduling a workshop for your group. Call us at (616) 644-9155 →