Evaluation of an Exercise Program for Older Adults in a Residential Environment

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an older adult exercise program in a senior-living complex campus.

A longitudinal one-group design was used.

To supply residents with tools to maintain or improve general quality of life, balance, endurance, depression, and functional mobility, the Wellness and Fitness Center at the research setting provided a wide assortment of user-friendly equipment with many options. One fitness director in the selected setting evaluated participants every 6 months with 33 participants using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT).

Repeated ANOVAs identified factors impacting the effects of the exercise program using PROC MIXED SAS 9.0. The improvement or deterioration rate of SFT scores was tested as a time effect in balance, upper body strength, and lower body flexibility. A statistically significant gender effect emerged on the 6-minute walk, which measured aerobic endurance and the chair sit-and-reach test, which measured lower body flexibility.

The 8-foot up-and-go, arm curl, chair stand, and chair sit-and-reach tests showed statistically significant improvement over time, which means balance, upper body strength, lower body strength, and lower body flexibility improved.

Developing customized exercise protocols and using standardized measurement tools should be encouraged to enhance effective research and consistent measurement of exercise programs.