Aysha Tenouri is committed to using a wellness program and music to improve the life of seniors.
What’s your story?
I’ve been in Wellness since I was 15. I started as a gymnastics instructor, and later, after I had my daughter, I started teaching Kindermusik. Then, I went back to school for my Master’s Degree to become a mental health counsellor. During the program I decided to create a fun and engaging wellness program for seniors using percussion instruments. When it came time for the internship, I trained my first instructor to cover my classes. After I graduated, I decided to develop the training and grow my team. And that was the start of InstruMix.
What excites you most about your industry?
Well the senior wellness industry is exploding right now. The baby boomers are getting older, and residential care communities are popping up everywhere. The staff in these communities need the skills and resources to keep the residents healthy, engaged, and happy. And that is where InstruMix comes in! We train fitness professionals as well as community staff in this adaptable and inclusive program. It is so exciting because it is so fun and people of all ability levels can enjoy the benefits!
What drives you in your career to push beyond what other people consider normal?
Everything I do, I strive to do my best. In this case, my career is also my business, so I give it everything I have. The thing that drives me the most is the idea that I am making it possible for countless people to have a positive impact on the lives of seniors in their communities! The InstruMix program brings so much joy and wellbeing to the participants as well as the instructor and the idea of have such a widespread positive impact drives me to push myself beyond what other people consider normal.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
The most useful skill I have learned is compassion and patience. When working with people with dementia it is so important to treat every time like the first time. For example, I can’t just assume that anyone will remember me or the program. So, when I explain things, I have to pretend that it is the first time I am doing it. This helps me to not get frustrated with the fact I have explained the same thing many times already to the same people.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best piece of advice I have received is to start this program. I didn’t have much experience with older adults before I created InstruMix, but I drew on my experience with children, and my love for dance, my knowledge of mental health and physical health and exercise to create a fun and engaging wellness program. It helped me because I now have the privilege of doing something I truly love and I get to help people at the same time.
Who inspires you?
I don’t know if there is a Who that inspires me, but there definitely is a What. I am inspired by the desire to fill my life with purpose and love. Everyday I am inspired to work hard and push towards my goals, because my goal to spread the InstruMix program worldwide will help me accomplish a life filled with purpose and love, and that is just a beautiful life to live!
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
I learned that there is so much power in having a positive outlook. A 2024 National Geographic article explained that viewing aging as a time of opportunity and growth, rather than decline, can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. This attitude is linked to better cognitive function, increased emotional resilience, and a longer lifespan.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I don’t know if I would do anything differently. When we make mistakes on our journey, we are learning and growing. I feel like everything in my life has led up to where I am now. If I change a part of my past, or skip over a tough period where I learned valuable lessons, who knows where I would be today.
How do you unwind?
I have been blessed with the opportunity to live in Hawaii, so I love to spend time outdoors to unwind. I like to spend time swimming at the beach, hiking in the mountains, or just hanging out with friends. I also really love to dance to Latin music. There is nothing like a night of dancing to salsa and bachata to let all the stress of the week go!
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your career?
The biggest shift I had in my career is when I stopped trying to figure out how to find the “right” people for my team, and I started focusing on how I could improve what I am doing to better support the needs of everyone around me. When I take responsibility to everyone’s success or failure, I no longer spend time being frustrated about things I cannot control. When I focus on how I can improve, I take the control back, and create a much more welcoming and supportive environment.
Everyone in business should read this book:
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
This book explores the science behind habit formation and how to change behaviors to improve business outcomes.
Shameless plug for your business or career:
If you love music and dance, and are looking for an enjoyable career that is filled with purpose, look no further than InstruMix. Also, anyone who is already working with seniors and would like to learn how to lead a fun and engaging wellness program that stimulates the mind and body, the InstruMix program is for you. Our online training makes it easy for anyone to obtain the skills necessary to take the InstruMix program to seniors in any community.
How can people connect with you?
info@instrumix.org
www.instrumix.org
www.seniorwellnesscertification.com
Social Media Links?
www.instrumix.org
https://www.facebook.com/funatyourfacility
https://www.instagram.com/instrumix/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysha-tenouri-5b104816b/
https://www.youtube.com/@instrumix6266
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.