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Seniors In Motion: Seniors In Motion Case Study Outline

Organization
Program and Results
Innovative Ideas
Walking Programs
    
New Jersey Department of Health & Human ServicesState of New Jersey Live Long, Live Well Walking Program for Older Adults walking clubs throughout state:

  • 88% of walkers increased their physical activity
  • Program can be done inside or outside in a variety of settings, individually or as part of a group
  • All materials free and available on website, http://www.state.nj.us/health
Grossmont Adult Education SchoolLa Mesa, CA Grossmont Mall Walkers weekly walking group:

  • Program started with just a few people; now has up to 1600 participants at one time
  • Nurses do screenings at Saturday classes
  • Conducting Saturday classes that gather everyone together for stretching, but then allow individual groups to walk
  • Providing goals and prizes for various levels of achievement
Seattle Parks & Recreation’s Senior Adults ProgramSeattle, WA Sound Steps Walking Program:

  • Rapid Assessment of Physical Activities (RAPA) Survey administered at participant’s start of the program and again three months later. Survey reviewed to evaluate walkers’ status.
  • Sound Steps Hikes- once a month in nearby nature parks
  • Elementary schools are invited to bring students on walks with a senior group
Miamisburg, Ohio Senior Adult CenterMiamisburg, OH Merry Milers Walking Program:

  • 87% improved their walking time per mile
  • 84% reported improvement in limb and muscular ability
  • Some participants no longer needed their blood pressure medicine
  • Once a month the Merry Milers walk in other locations such as museums, parks, or outdoor trails
  • Annual parades
Exercise Classes    
New Jersey Division of Aging and Community ServicesState of New Jersey HealthEASE Health Education and Move Today:

  • Participants improved reach, mobility and balance at end of 12-week class
  • Exercise sessions are peer led - older participants respond positively to Peer Leaders who are similar to participants
  • Major focus of the program is on good posture
New Jersey Department of Health and Human ServicesState of New Jersey Project Healthy Bones:

  • 48% of participants were more aware of the impact of nutrition and diet on calcium intake and have made changes to their diets
  • 65% reported improved balance and strength and have taken precautions to alter their home environment to avoid falls
  • 97% were more confident of their balance and strength
  • The 24-week curriculum also has an interactive educational component on the importance of safety, exercise, nutrition, drug therapy and lifestyle factors that relate to osteoporosis.
Aging and Independence Services of San Diego CountySan Diego County, CA Feeling Fit wellness program:

  • Attendance in the program increases on average 12% per year
 Transferring knowledge from classes to local access television to reach those who are unable to leave home but may be able to exercise along with their television.
Dutchess County Office for the AgingDutchess County, NY Dutchess County Office for the Aging’s Senior Exercise Program:

  • 86% improved balance
  • 89% improved strength
  • 77% felt less lonely
 Peer leaders help encourage other seniors to participate

  • Coordinator finds locations willing to donate space such as churches, town halls, and senior and community centers
Senior Exercise Facilities    
Glacier Hills Retirement CommunityAnn Arbor, MI The Wellness Connection:

  • Approximately 80% of all residents participate in the exercise program
  • 50% of these participants exercise more than once per week
  • Employees receive wellness training during orientation. The variety of exercise and wellness activities provides many opportunities for employee participation.
The Fountains of Melbourne, Kisco Senior LivingMelbourne, FL Healthy Strides:

  • 70% of residents participate in the wellness program; based on resident demand, classes are added or modified to ensure participation
 Computer lab or “brain gym” provides exercises for memory, alertness, and understanding skills

  • Weight loss competitions
Colonial Heights and Gardens
Florence, KY		 Colonial Heights and Gardens Wellness Program:

  • Participants in the program often require less medical attention
  • Residents often experience modest financial success through less usage of prescribed medicine and fewer hospital visits
  • Guest speakers from the Red Cross, local hospitals, and other organizations
  • Instructors remind seniors to get the appropriate check-ups and preventative medicines
Aquatic Programs    
The Arthritis FoundationNational Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program:

  • Participants increased range of motion in affected limbs from 13% to 17%
  • Reduced lateral sway and total sway area from 48% to 30%
  • Improved balance in a functional test by 11%
  • Program leaders are provided with all of the tools and criteria necessary to implement the course, and customization is prohibited.
  • The program can be implemented at any community pool facility that meets the National Arthritis Foundation standards.
Ocean City, MD Recreation & ParksOcean City, MD Water Wiggle aerobics for seniors:

  • A majority of participants say they feel healthier or more physically fit after completing the program.
  • Many participants find that they can move around easier, thus prolonging their independent lifestyle.
 Use of Styrofoam equipment such as weights, “noodles,” or paddle boards

  • Program brochure mailed to every