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

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an older adult exercise program in a senior-living complex campus. Design: A longitudinal one-group design was used. Methods: 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). Findings: 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. Conclusions: 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. Clinical Relevance: Developing customized exercise protocols and using standardized measurement tools should be encouraged to enhance effective research and consistent measurement of exercise programs.