Becoming fit just became a whole lot more fun.

 

Introducing a group fitness class designed just for older adults. 

• An evidence-based fitness program specifically designed for older adults (60+ years of age).– Significant improvement in physical functioning, socialization, and decreased depression and pain

• Originally developed to help participants with arthritis transition from a class exercise program to a home-based exercise program. 

• Taught by certified EnhanceFitness instructors, who are also certified group fitness instructors.

• 1-hour classes, held 3 times a week, on-going schedule

• Participants can join at any time!

• Strength Training.– Participants train with light weights – a key element to the fitness program.

• Flexibility and Balance. – Participants will increase their range of movement to help prevent falls.

• Cardio/Aerobic.– Participants will experience improvements in walking and breathing.

• Nationally: Can be found at over 450 sites around the country, with more established sites at senior centers, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and continuing-care retirement communities.

• Indiana: 27 active-sites established

• EnhanceFitness is supported through a 3-year grant from the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD)– Lead Agency: Indiana State Department of Health -Diabetes Prevention and Control Program

– 3-Year Grant Period: July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2011

• Prior grant funding from the past Indiana Arthritis Program, 2007-2008 (only 2 AAA’s participated)

• Instructors: 39 instructors in 12 AAA’s throughout Indiana

• Sites: 27 active sites; goal of 30 active sites before end of Year-3 (June 2011)

• Total Participant Number: 436

• Data gathered from participant information, health history forms, and quarterly fitness checks

• Gender Distribution: – 89% Female– 11% Male

• Age Range: – 30-97 years of age

• Average Age:– 75 years of age – Although the program is designed for older adults, all age groups can participate.

• Average Number of Chronic Conditions*:– 1.74*Arthritis, Rheumatic Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Hypertension, 

Lung Disease, or Other

• Chronic Disease Prevalence:

Indiana National

Baseline Average

Follow-up Average Result Baseline

AverageFollow-up Average Result

Up & Go* (Seconds)

7.8 7.2 Improved 8.6 8.2 Improved

Chair Stands

(# of Stands)12.3 13.3 Improved 12.5 13.8 Improved

Arm Curls (# of Curls)

17.6 18.3No 

Significant Change

16.9 18.3 Improved

*The time in seconds a participant can get up from a chair (unassisted), walk 8 feet, return, and sit

Indiana National

Baseline Average

Follow-up Average Result Baseline

AverageFollow-up Average Result

Up & Go* (Seconds)

7.8 7.2 Improved 8.6 8.2 Improved

Chair Stands

(# of Stands)12.3 13.3 Improved 12.5 13.8 Improved

Arm Curls (# of Curls)

17.6 18.3No 

Significant Change

16.9 18.3 Improved

*Up & Go: The time in seconds a participant can get up from a chair (unassisted), walk 8 feet, return, and sit

Indiana National

Baseline Average

Follow-up Average Result Baseline

AverageFollow-up Average Result

Up & Go* (Seconds)

7.8 7.2 Improved 8.6 8.2 Improved

Chair Stands

(# of Stands)12.3 13.3 Improved 12.5 13.8 Improved

Arm Curls (# of Curls)

17.6 18.3No 

Significant Change

16.9 18.3 Improved

*Up & Go: The time in seconds a participant can get up from a chair (unassisted), walk 8 feet, return, and sit

• Need state-wide and community partners to help sustain the program past Year 3 (June 2011).– Help pay for site licensure fees ($50 a year/per site)

– Help pay for personnel costs– Provide free meeting space– Help with participant recruitment and referrals

A Whole Lot of Fun!

A Whole Lot of Variety!

With Proven Outcomes!

• Senior Services in Seattle, Washington– Website: www.projectenhance.org

• Indiana State Department of Health, Diabetes Prevention & Control Program– Website: www.diabetes.IN.gov

• Local Indiana Area Agencies on Aging