According to the Health Rankings analysis of CDC, 30.5% of Kentuckians and 37.2% of Kentucky’s seniors aged 65 and older have no physical activity or exercise other than their regular job.  Physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and cancer mortality, diabetes, and premature death.   Approximately 10% of deaths among adults ages 40-69 and 7.8% of deaths among adults ages 70 and older can be attributed to physical inactivity with an associated cost of more than 11% of total health care expenditures.

Physical activity can improve quality of life by reducing the risk of physical limitations in mid-life and older adults and it encourages positive mental health and healthy aging.  To encourage physical activity, the Whitley County FCS Agent offered MOVE, a weekly low-impact exercise class.  MOVE consisted of five 60-minute sessions with each including activities addressing strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility.  During each subsequent week, the activity times increased from 45 seconds to 75 seconds for each activity.  Activities were presented with adapted variations to accommodate ability levels.  Students received an exercise plan with a description of exercises and an exercise band and were challenged to exercise at least 4 times during the week.  The goal of this initial MOVE program was to assure participants that they were able to exercise and encourage them to begin a regular exercise routine.

MOVE was held weekly for one month reaching 12 participants, 11 females and 1 male.  Initially targeted towards senior adults, participants ranged from 28 to 76 years of age.  While all attendees were able to participate, several participants reported feeling uncomfortable in the past beginning an exercise routine due to ability levels and limitations.  100% of attendees reported feeling better after each MOVE class and acknowledged the need to continue a regular exercise program.  One attendee stated, “I couldn’t do these exercises when we started, but I can now!”.  Three attendees have reported that they are now participating in exercise classes several times a week.

Reference:

America's Health Rankings analysis of CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2023.