Morning Exercises Help Seniors Stay Active at Oak Tree Manor

Chair-based workouts set the tone for the day at assisted living facility

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The 60 or so senior residents at Oak Tree Manor in Pinellas Park, Florida start their days with 60 minutes of chair-based exercises Monday through Friday. The activities director says the workouts help the tenacious generation of residents stay limber and independent in their daily lives.

Why it matters

As people age, maintaining mobility and strength becomes increasingly important for quality of life and independent living. The morning exercise program at Oak Tree Manor is an example of how assisted living facilities can help seniors stay active and engaged.

The details

The residents gather each morning for a variety of chair-based exercises like arm movements, stretching, and simulated daily tasks like putting on shoes. The activities director says the exercises not only loosen them up physically, but also get their brains working in a positive way. Many of the residents say the workouts translate directly to improved ability to perform everyday activities.

  • The exercise program takes place Monday through Friday mornings.
  • The sessions last around 60 minutes each day.

The players

John Poole

The activities director at Oak Tree Manor who oversees the morning exercise program.

Laura Slovina

A resident at Oak Tree Manor who participates in the exercises.

San Kay Christianson

A resident at Oak Tree Manor who has a titanium plate in her back and a rod in her leg, but still participates in the exercises.

Paul Plumley

A resident at Oak Tree Manor who suffered a stroke a couple years ago and says the exercises are essential for him.

William Lee Jr.

A resident at Oak Tree Manor who says the exercises get his "brain working" and body moving in a positive way.

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What they’re saying

“The funnest part is to see their enthusiasm. This is a tenacious generation. It's amazing how hard they actually want to work.”

— John Poole, Activities Director, Oak Tree Manor (FOX 13 News)

“We do a lot of arm exercises, windshield wipers, screwing the light bulb, and things like that. That kind of thing can be functional too. When we do reach and stretch, you do different kinds of exercises to help that every day. Changing your clothes, simple things, washing your face, makes it all easier.”

— John Poole, Activities Director, Oak Tree Manor (FOX 13 News)

“If I didn't do that, I would be a lot weaker, and I can really feel it when I'm there throughout the day. I need to exercise. I want to and need to.”

— Paul Plumley, Resident, Oak Tree Manor (FOX 13 News)

“You know, get your brain working, your body moving, positive all the way. Unbelievable. It's hard to describe in words, you know, because everything together is always better.”

— William Lee Jr., Resident, Oak Tree Manor (FOX 13 News)

What’s next

The Oak Tree Manor exercise program will continue on its regular Monday-Friday schedule, helping seniors at the facility maintain their mobility and independence.

The takeaway

The morning exercise program at Oak Tree Manor demonstrates how assisted living facilities can empower seniors to stay active, engaged, and independent through simple but effective chair-based workouts. The enthusiasm of the residents shows the value of such programs in improving quality of life for the aging population.