DOC News January 1, 2005
Volume 2 Number 1 p. 10
© 2005 American Diabetes Association
Program Helps Maintain Functional Fitness Among Elderly
Elizabeth Thompson Beckley
A group of Maine elders with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes,
showed significant improvement in eight fitness parameters after participating
in a twice-weekly exercise class, according to research presented at the
recent American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Scientific Assembly in
Orlando, Fla.
Elders in the program say they felt better and more independent, too.
"Exercise may well be the modality for not only adding years to life,
but [it] also can add life to years," writes lead author Mary Josephine
Hessert of the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in
Biddeford, Maine.
The study followed 17 residents at an assisted living center in Portland,
Maine, as they attended two 1-hour fitness classes per week for 1 year. The
residents ranged in age from 64 to 94 years. Classes included seven stages of
exercise: warm-up, pre-stretch, dexterity, resistance, balance, cool-down, and
post-stretch.
After 1 year, the average resting heart rate decreased 4%, systolic blood
pressure decreased 5%, and body weight decreased by 1.46 pounds, the
researchers report. Average mobility increased 49%, grip strength and
flexibility increased 63% and 62%, respectively, energy expenditure increased
52%, and oxygen saturation increased by 1.88%.
While much research on elder exercise has focused on one or two components
of fitness, such as strength and balance, the New England study considered
numerous components. It found that an exercise program with a greater number
of factors improves overall elder function and well-being.
"When abilities have been regained, so has independence, confidence,
and purpose," says one 83-year-old participant quoted in the study.
"People want to be in control of their lives."
Family physicians should recommend exercise classes to elders with chronic
conditions to maintain or improve functional fitness, the researchers
conclude. The study says it is important to ensure the exercise program is
safe—meaning it includes emergency protocols, physician approval, and
instructor training—and has effective, sound exercise procedures and
measured participation. 
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