Study Shows 8-Week Training Program Helps Promote Healthy Lifestyle for Older Adults

A study published in the Journal of Aging and Health determined that the eight-week Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program is effective in improving muscle strength, dynamic balance, flexibility, and sleep quality among senior participants, reports KTVO . University of Missouri (MU) Professor Kelsey Weitzel said many senior communities are being mandated to implement evidence-based lifestyle programs, and the study was necessary to keep the training regimen in places that are already using the program throughout Missouri. Program participants improved in seven markers used to evaluate strength and flexibility, lowering the risk for falls and associated healthcare costs. Researchers tracked 60 sedentary adults older than 60 as they completed the training, and the program can encourage healthy lifestyle modifications. "Many of our participants reported that after completing the program, they were more confident to go out and do other activities," said MU's Breanne Baker. "Prior to the study, these were all sedentary people, but after engaging in the eight-week program, they were doing other things that the other groups were not, like walking the dog and gardening."