ELDER Philosophy
Our elders lead the way through connection & continual growth in body, mind, spirit, and emotion.
What ELDER means in our practice:
E - Expansive
L - Living through
D - Diet
E - Exercise and
R - Rejuvenation
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We allow our whole being to thrive. Regardless of age and circumstance we continue to learn and grow in body-mind-emotion and spirit.
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From the Greek word diaita meaning ‘a way of life’
Diet is far more than just what we do or don’t eat. Certainly, we must drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and eat healthy foods to nourish ourselves and yet our way of life is far more than counting calories. Can we also consider all that we consume; the books we read, the music we listen to, the communities we engage, what are we choosing to nourish us body-mind-emotion and spirit?
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From the Latin exercere meaning ‘practice’, and the Middle English exercise meaning ‘application of a right’. Simply put; we cultivate a daily practice of breath and movement so we may continue to exercise our right of breath and movement.
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How do we reset, recharge, refresh ourselves? Yes, rest is needed, and inspiration is equally needed.
Can we bring ourselves into the present moment? Can we connect? Can we uplift and inspire ourselves and others? YES!
"We all age but not all of us become elders, I want to grow to be an elder. In this regard, my students are some of my most cherished teachers and a source of continual inspiration. "
— Fran Kao, Founder, the movement
ELDER Philosophy
ELDER classes prioritize our active aging community. Our convenient, inclusive online offerings ensure that elders of various abilities can find classes and movements that address their needs and fitness goals.
We all possess a physical wisdom that we feel more connected to at different times. As we age, it is more important than ever that we consistently cultivate and maintain this connection to keep us moving with strength and confidence.
Each class reminds you to trust your innate wisdom by starting exactly where you are and growing from there with complete self-compassion, love, and patient courage. A critical source of inspiration, we look to our elders to lead the way!
Join Us!
Connect with your breath and body, deepen your connection to the world around you.
ELDER classes are a convenient online offering serving our elders from individual households to senior living centers, and community centers.
Every class is an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, expand your awareness, and reignite your curiosity—body, mind, emotion, and spirit—as you learn to move in the ways that bring your unique body joy.
We have a range of classes and memberships to get you started.
Our ELDER Classes
ELDER Mat Yoga
Gently build breath capacity, mobility, flexibility, and strength. Designed to leave you feeling calm, grounded, and energized, Fran encourages you to work at your level as we gently alternate between floor work, standing, balancing, and seated postures.
ELDER Chair Yoga & Lymph Flow
Our chair yoga class offers a movement practice for all abilities. Designed to stimulate the immune system and improve overall wellness, the entire class can be done seated or standing.
Become an ELDER community partner
A nonprofit life-plan community located in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood in Seattle, WA, Bayview offers residents a full spectrum of health services to support changing needs throughout life.
Developed by Pacific Retirement Services in Seattle, WA. Mirabella Seattle is a vibrant, urban continuing care retirement community dedicated to enhancing the retirement experience.
Our functional movement and yoga classes (ELDER Chair and ELDER Mat) are specifically curated to address the needs of our elder community members as well as adults recovering from injury. Ensuring accessibility and diversity in movements, our gentle classes accommodate varying levels of mobility, with a focus on balance, flexibility, and deep muscle work. We provide a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Partner with Fran to bring your elder community a great opportunity to build wellness and connection.
An outpatient therapy practice and wellness program serving older adults and promoting successful aging and joyful movement across all abilities and capacities. Offering preventative and rehabilitative programs for mind and body.
