Introducing StrongerU’s Monthly Engagement Toolkit!
- StrongerU Senior Fitness
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
As we looked ahead to how we wanted to celebrate National Activity Professionals Week (Jan 26th - 31st) and Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Month (February), we wanted to do something that not only recognized the incredible creativity, dedication, and heart that Activity and Therapeutic Recreation professionals bring to every program, every event, and every interaction, but something that would further support the work you do.
At StrongerU, we know that the work you do is anything but ordinary. You design experiences that bring joy, connection, and purpose into the daily lives of others. From themed socials and music programs to fitness classes, creative workshops, and meaningful one-on-one interactions, you transform ordinary moments into memorable experiences.
To honor this work and to support your ongoing efforts, we’re thrilled to launch StrongerU’s Monthly Engagement Toolkit. Each edition will include fresh program ideas, special event inspiration, a special StrongerU Movement Moment, and tips for enhancing engagement, giving you new ways to spark joy, creativity, and connection in your community.
Why We’re Doing This
Activity and Therapeutic Recreation professionals are the heartbeat of senior living communities. Your creativity, skill, and care turn calendars into experiences, programs into moments, and activities into meaningful connections.
StrongerU is proud to support this work. StrongerU’s Monthly Engagement Toolkit is designed to help you continue building culture, engagement, and connection with ideas that are flexible and actionable. We want every edition to give you tools that save time, spark creativity, and make it easier to engage your group in meaningful ways.
Our hope is that each toolkit becomes a resource you can turn to again and again—a source of inspiration and practical tools to enhance your programming and support meaningful engagement in your community.
February 2026 Engagement Inspiration
1. Celebrating Love and Friendship: Instead of just Valentine’s Day, turn the week of Feb 9th to 15th into a celebration of connection, friendships, love, and shared memories:
From the Heart: Memories of Friendship & Love Social: Invite residents to share favorite memories about friendships and loved ones. See 5 questions below to get the conversation going:
Tell me about someone who has been an important friend in your life. What made that friendship special?
Can you remember a moment when you felt truly cared for or supported by someone?
Who is someone you loved spending time with, and what did you enjoy doing together?
Is there a story about friendship or love that still makes you smile when you think about it?
What qualities do you think make a friendship or relationship last?
Kindness Cards Workshop: Create cards for fellow residents, staff, or family members.
Wedding Photo Showcase: Residents are invited to bring a wedding photo or special photo that represents a meaningful relationship in their life. Photos will be displayed for the community to enjoy, sparking conversation, connection, and shared memories.
Participants are welcome to share the story behind their photo, but sharing is always optional. This program celebrates love in all its forms and offers a wonderful opportunity to reminisce, connect with others, and honor the relationships that shaped our lives.
2. Winter Wellness & Self-Care: Even in February, winter can feel long. Programs that encourage physical, intellectual, and emotional wellness are always welcome:
Mindful Mornings: Short meditations, breathing exercises, or gentle stretching sessions to start the day. Ask ChatGPT to “Write me a (insert length of time) Guided Meditation script on the theme of (insert theme)” or find a Guided Meditation on YouTube.
Cozy Conversations: Encourage conversation around gratitude, self-care tips, or favorite routines. Pair with warm beverages to create a cozy atmosphere. See 5 questions below to get the conversation going:
What is something small that brings you comfort or joy in your day?
Do you have a daily routine or habit that helps you feel your best?
Is there something you’re especially grateful for today or this week?
What’s a way you like to relax or take care of yourself?
When you think of a cozy or peaceful moment, what comes to mind?
Heart Health Program: Invite a guest speaker (dietitian, nurse, or fitness professional) to talk about heart health and ways to stay active. Integrate a light exercise demonstration or StrongerU’s Movement Moment (below).
3. Special Dates, Themes and other Highlights: Not every holiday, awareness day, or themed day needs a program or event attached to it. Thoughtful programming isn’t about keeping up with every date on the calendar, it’s about choosing what truly aligns with your group, your team’s capacity, and your community’s values.
Meaningful engagement comes from intention, not obligation. When we give ourselves permission to say no to some things, we create space to do less things with more impact.
Quality over quantity isn’t a shortcut. It’s a good practice to maintain your capacity and to continue to do amazing things for your group!
Below is an overview of February holidays, awareness days, and special events:
Black History Month - All of February
Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Month - All of February
Heart Month / Heart Health Month - All of February
Feb 2nd - Groundhog Day
Feb 4th - World Cancer Day
Feb 6th - National Wear Red Day for American Heart Health Month
Feb 8th - Superbowl
Feb 8th - 14th – Random Acts of Kindness Week
Feb 13th - Galentine’s Day
Feb 14th - Valentine’s Day
Feb. 17th - Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year
Feb 16th - Presidents’ Day (U.S.)
Feb 16th - Family Day (most Canadian provinces)
Feb 17th - Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday / Pancake/Paczki Tuesday
Feb 18th - Ash Wednesday
Feb 25th - Pink Shirt Day – Annual event against bullying
4. StrongerU’s Movement Moments: StrongerU’s Movement Moments are brief movement-based activities designed to help increase energy, connection, and participation. It’s not about exercise intensity—it’s about creating an inviting start to a program. Movement Moments can be done seated or standing and work well at the beginning, or middle, of any activity, class, or social event.
Access February’s Movement Moment and get alerted every time there is a new Movement Moment here.
StrongerU’s Movement Moment can be integrated:
At the start of a morning program
During a break in a class or workshop
As a playful energizer before a social event
Movement Moments are meant to be short, simple, and adaptable for all abilities—helping your group feel more open, connected, and energized.
Regardless of how many programs and events you plan this month, remember that it’s the way you care that turns simple moments into memories. Each meaningful moment you create enriches the lives of those you work with in ways that last long after the calendar flips.
Always here cheering you on!
