As people age they tend to stay at home and get less exercise through daily  activities, such as trips to the grocery store, said Larry Prescott, executive director of Grand Villa of Largo.

"The fear of falling, pain from arthritis and neuropathy of the feet, and not recouping as quickly from illnesses often keep people from exercising," Prescott said.

Exercise needs to be adapted to the individual's needs.

"Person-centered exercise takes the time to determine individual needs. It is completely focused on our residents and what is going to make their life enriched," Prescott said.

"Losing our body is like losing our best friend. It can be very depressing and can inhibit motivation to do anything," Prescott said.

The key is having the right exercise facilitator, "having somebody in place who is talented enough to encourage people, knowing your resident's needs," Prescott said.

"So many issues are involved. (Residents) sometimes come from an era where they just sucked it up, and didn't complain," Prescott said.

When caregivers choose an assisted living facility, asking the right questions is essential. Related to exercise, Christine Rosco of Grand Villa suggests asking:

1. What are you going to do to get to know my loved one, when he or she comes to live here?
2. What do you do to make your programs more individualized for the needs of everyone?

"We mold our systems and adust to their individual needs rather than the residents adjusting to us," Prescott said.

Exercise is a lifestyle with many options available tailored to specific needs such as chair exercises, Tai Chi, working with weights, a walking program, dancing as a part of social activities, peer-led gardening, cooking classes for fine motor skills and Nintendo Wii sports, Prescott said.

The benefit of assisted living at Grand Villa is that residents don't need to leave home to get physical and mental exercise, Prescott said.

"Exercise is not necessarily jumping jacks, leg lifts and crunches. It is a person-centered way of living," Prescott said. "We want to be proactive and preventative."

Some Options Around Largo:

• Grand Villa of Largo offers assisted living, memory care and a Senior Day Program, which is open to the public.
• Arbor Terrace of Largo is an assisted living and dementia care community.
• Neighborly Care Network of Largo offers health and home care services to seniors.
• The Florida Health Finder allows caregivers the opportunity to compare and locate services around Tampa Bay.
• The National Association for Home Care & Hospice Agency Locator offers more options around Tampa Bay.