According to the Centers for Disease Control, scientific studies prove that exercise can help prevent or manage chronic diseases, improve cognitive functions, decrease falls, and improve one’s mental health.  Inactivity increases with age and is estimated that by age 75, about one in three men and one in two women engage in no physical activity. In effort to improve the physical activity of seniors living in an urban apartment complex while also engaging in a more social setting, the Kenton County FCS agent partnered with the Senior housing nurse to offer a six week exercise program which met 2 times a week. Eight people participated in the program which taught safe strength building exercises using resistance bands and chair exercises, fall prevention techniques, and ways to increase endurance. Six residents completed the 6 week program and reported the following:

100% learned one or more exercises they could do on their own

75% reported they increased their exercise by utilizing the information learned in class in their apartments

50% reported they had increased their flexibility by the end of the program.

One of the participants revealed the class actually made him want to get out of his apartment.

Each of the participants reported during the exercise classes an improved their outlook on life.as a result of attending.

As a result, additional series will be offered in the coming program year.