The GO4Life program launched earlier this year by the National Institute on Aging, the Surgeon General and many partner organizations, encourages baby boomers and older adults to exercise and become  physically active as a means of remaining healthy and independent.  As a result, doctors around the country are increasingly addressing a serious question: how do we get our older citizens interested in and excited about exercise? Well, if you follow the example set by the UConn Health Center and its Powerful Aging Program, in many cases the answer may be as simple as…giving them the opportunity.

The Powerful Aging Program was established over a decade ago as part of a federally funded research project aimed towards examining the benefits of exercise in post-menopausal women. Developed by Dr. James Judge of the UConn Health Center, the program was specifically designed to study exercise’s effects on this older population’s bone and muscle health. But when the study ended, the participants pushed to be allowed to continue.

“There was a real demand from the community to have a program for older individuals who wanted to maintain and improve their health,” says Dr. George Kuchel, who acts as director of the UConn Center on Aging and as the Citicorp Chair in Geriatrics and Gerontology. “And we were happy to provide it.”

Those involved in the program work with trainers and other staff of the Health Center to perform a series of very low-tech exercises (those that only require weighted waist-belts, dumbbells, and step-up platforms) designed to promote muscle strength, flexibility, and balance – the three most important things that contribute to a person’s function and independence as they age. The exercises are very low-impact (great for aging joints) and are designed to be extremely safe.

“The most common mistakes that people make are that they don’t exercise due to fear of injury,” says Kuchel, “or that they exercise and over-exert themselves. The great thing about Powerful Aging is that it gives this older population a place where they can come together with experts to exercise correctly without fear.”

Looking to Improve as It Moves into the Future

Moving into its 12th year of operation, the program is currently undergoing an evaluation process designed to keep its practices up-to-date.

Linda Yamamoto is a kinesiologist, as well as a certified strength and conditioning specialist who has joined the UConn Center on Aging as a consultant in kinesiology and exercise sciences. She is leading this effort by evaluating the current program from the perspective of both participants and instructors, and incorporating this feedback into an updated program based on the latest scientific evidence.

“We want to make sure that that we are following the current best practices for our patients and clients, and not just following the latest trend,” says Yamamoto. “And we would like to understand the changes that our participants would like to see so that we can incorporate them where appropriate.”

And in keeping with the Health Center’s tradition of integrated learning, in addition to updating the exercise regimen itself, officials are excited about the idea of one day having university students help out with the program.

“Right now, all of our instructors are staff of the UConn Health Center,” says Kuchel. “But we would like to get students involved as trainers. It would be a great learning opportunity for students in kinesiology, physical therapy or other disciplines  to learn more about aging and geriatric issues.”

The program currently offers classes at four locations – the UConn Health Center, the Elmwood Community Center, UConn Health Partners in West Hartford, and the Avon Senior Center. Officials may consider expanding the program to other areas in the region that have an active older population who would benefit from it.

“You know, not so long ago, experts thought that exercise was only something that young people would be interested in, and they didn’t think that the benefits would outweigh the associated risks,” says Kuchel. “But they’ve been proven wrong on both counts. Not only does exercise bring benefits for our older patients, but they’re enthusiastic about taking part. And that really is a great thing to see.”

Those interested in the Powerful Aging Program are encouraged to call 860-679-7692 or 866-837-7737 or visit the program’s website for more information or for a class schedule.

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