Online exercise helps seniors

Digital technology is opening up new possibilities for maintaining good health. “Strong Foundations” is delivered in a 12-week class format that meets once a week and includes elements of strength training, posture and balance exercises. Unlike recorded videos, participants receive individualized, real-time guidance to help them perform the exercises correctly and safely.

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and loss of independence among older adults. One in four people over the age of 65 experience this problem at least once a year. The risks are especially high in rural areas where access to fitness centers is limited. The new program offers a convenient solution – workouts from home without having to go anywhere.

The study involved 92 people aged 60 and older. They were divided into two groups based on their level of risk for falls. After three months of exercise, both groups showed significant improvements in posture, muscle strength and stability. The changes were particularly noticeable in those in the medium-risk group: their scores improved by 36%, reducing the likelihood of falls and related injuries.

“Correcting posture is a key factor in reducing the risk of falls,” notes Dr. Ryan Moran, one of the authors of the paper. He emphasizes that the online format removes barriers related to transportation and reluctance to go to gyms, and makes exercise accessible to people from different regions.

According to David Wing, a senior research fellow at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Longevity Science, the format can be scaled and adapted for different audiences. Future plans include developing versions in other languages and testing the program among socially vulnerable groups.

Initial results already show that digital technology can be an effective tool in the fight against age-related changes, helping older people to remain active and independent for as long as possible.