Engagement That Matters: Creating Meaningful Activities for Every Older Adult

Date

December 8, 2026

**Note each day has 2 sessions, schedule below for each day

Time

9:30 – 10:30 Session 1

Break

10:45 – 11:45 session 2

Format

Virtual

Description

Session 1: Activities and Person-Centered Care

Meaningful activities are essential to quality of life, but engaging today’s diverse population requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. This session will explore strategies for developing person-centered activities that reflect individual interests, identities, and life experiences. Participants will learn practical approaches for re-engaging older adults and addressing the unique needs of younger adults and men, with a focus on purpose, connection, choice, and CMS expectations.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify key factors to consider when developing person-centered activities based on individual interests, identities, and life experiences.
2. Apply strategies to increase participation among individuals who are hesitant to engage in activities, including younger adults.
3. Develop meaningful activity ideas that promote purpose, choice, connection, and quality of life.

Session 2: “It’s a Guy Thing!” – Activities for Men

Engaging older men in meaningful activities can be challenging, but the right approach can spark connection and participation. This session explores the social, emotional, generational, and personal interests that influence men’s engagement in long-term care and assisted living. Participants will discover practical, person-centered ideas for creating programs that promote camaraderie, purpose, and well-being.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify factors that influence older men’s participation and engagement in recreational activities.
2. Develop person-centered activities that reflect men’s interests, identities, abilities, and life experiences.
3. Apply creative strategies to increase participation, social connection, and meaningful engagement among male residents.

Fee

Members: $99 per person
Non-Members $198

CEUs pending.

Faculty

Cat Selman

Catherine “Cat” Selman is an educator, consultant, author, and nationally recognized speaker with more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, social work, activities, education, management, and regulatory compliance.

As a speaker in all 50 states, Cat brings practical experience and an engaging, energetic approach to topics affecting today’s long-term care professionals. Her expertise includes person-centered care, regulatory and compliance requirements, care planning, documentation, dementia care, and quality of life.

Cat is President and Co-Founder of The Cat Selman Company/The Healthcare Communicators, Inc. and Co-Founding Director of the Quality of Life Alliance. Her career has also included leadership roles in social services, activities, marketing, and corporate consulting within senior living and healthcare organizations.