Physical Activity InternAt — Placentia Senior Center

The Placentia Senior Center offers a welcoming space and meaningful resources for adults 60 years and older. We provide opportunities for connection, enrichment, and support through recreational activities, social events, and community programs. More than just a gathering place, the Placentia Senior Center is a hub of community, care, and connection for older adults.

In partnership with Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Successful Aging, we will be offering a weekly exercise program focusing on balance training for our members. We are seeking an intern to assist the class instructor in developing this program and delivering it on-site at the Placentia Senior Center.

Tasks:

The intern will demonstrate competency by satisfactorily performing the tasks listed below. Tasks will include, but are not limited to:

• Planning a 10-week community-based balance program for older adults, including curriculum planning, exercise session organization, and development of program materials.
• Exercise program delivery, including leading a group-based warm-up, cool-down, and other components of a class, as assigned by the lead instructor.
• Assisting with room set-up and take down for each class.
• Communicating general exercise guidelines and safety factors in all classes.
• Apply appropriate spotting and exercise correction techniques.
• General recordkeeping tasks – attendance, logging activities performed during each exercise session.
• Report safety and cleanliness problems with the facilities and equipment. Help resolve when appropriate.

Training:

Training and work-related tasks will be carried out both on campus, in the Center for Successful Aging, and on-site, at the Placentia Senior Center. Training and work related to program curriculum planning, exercise session planning, and development of program materials will be carried out under the supervision of Dr. Koren Fisher, Director of the Center for Successful Aging, and the graduate student instructor overseeing the exercise program. On-site facility familiarization and training will be carried out under the supervision of Senior Community Services Specialist Alejandro Ruiz.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Gain work experience directly related to kinesiology and/or health promotion
2. Develop skills and knowledge related to working safely and effectively with older adults in a community-based environment.
3. Apply discipline-specific knowledge in a real-world occupational setting (culture, society).
4. Understand current trends in community-based programs for older adults.
5. Develop strong interpersonal and professional communication skills through interacting with program participants and staff.