Experts say exercise benefits any age and can improve strength mobility and lifestyle…
“Exercise more” is a New Year’s resolution that never gets old. Increased fitness has been life changing for seniors like Betty Noll and Rita Copeland of Davenport. They’ve been working out together since they both started living at Senior Star at Elmore Place in May of 2010.
Seniors Betty Noll, 84, and Rita Copeland, 92, Senior Star at Elmore Place, Davenport, exercise 3 times a day on special fitness equipment designed for seniors. Both report increased strength, mobility, and better balance, along a strong friendship since they started working out together in 2010.
Rita, 93, takes pride in her exercise routine and its results. “We’ve inspired folks here,” she says. When they began working out together, Betty and Rita were often the only ones exercising. “Now we compete for workout time,” Rita says.
Senior Star’s Independent Living Program Director, Taylor Pocopanni, is one of those who’ve been inspired. “They are amazing,” she says. “They own Shapemaster®.” One of the few independent living communities locally to feature the Shapemaster Easy Tone Exercise Program, Senior Star’s leading-edge equipment helps seniors improve their flexibility and strength. “They love it,” says Taylor. Thanks to the power-assisted exercise machines, Betty’s well-being has improved. “I notice that Betty used to use her cane, but now she isn’t using it nearly as much. She’s stronger.”
A 2009 study by Oklahoma State University showed that seniors aged 70+ who exercised twice a week for seven weeks saw increased strength, mobility, agility, and balance using the Shapemaster equipment. Senior Star has taken on the goal of inspiring and embracing this aspect of senior living. The emphasis on wellness improves seniors’ confidence by making their bodies feel good and safe.
Jen Foley, Healthy Lifestyle Director at the Two Rivers YMCA, Moline, holds degrees in Therapeutic Recreation and Gerontology and has experience working with senior living communities. “Exercise can be transformative,” she says.
“Exercise can keep you stable, strong, flexible. And it is the answer for the adult who says he or she wants to be able to do things around the house, even the activities of daily life, like grabbing or picking up things or turning the faucet on.”
Betty Noll, a resident at Senior Star at Elmore Place, works out on the facility's Shapemaster equipment which is designed specifically for seniors.
The specialized Shapemaster exercise machines at Senior Star use power assists to move the body safely through ranges of motion that seniors may not have spanned for a long time. The machines help develop range of motion and muscle tone until seniors can use effort to work with the machines. Then the muscles, joints and body can be strengthened more aggressively. “We have seen the activity level here increase,” says Senior Star’s Taylor. “Residents line up for these power-assisted machines.”
Betty, 85, had surgery for spinal stenosis three years ago. “The exercising keeps my legs strong and stable,” she says. “I was hunched over and couldn’t vacuum. It’s a lot better now.”
As with any new exercise regimen, the YMCA’s Jen Foley cautions that it’s important to get a doctor’s okay before beginning. “And get a friend or join a group,” she advises. “Most people need someone to keep them motivated.” Once the exercise program is underway, keep changes small to prevent injury and make steady progress.
Betty and Rita have had good success working out together. “It’s good to have a friend,” says Rita, “and it’s good for our minds. We talk about everything.” Betty agrees: “I have always liked to exercise, and now I do a series every morning, afternoon, and after dinner. It helps my mind.”
In addition to using the Shapemaster machines, Betty participates in the aquatic exercise program. Her pool workouts also help with joint flexibility, and the water provides resistance for arm exercises.
“Get movement into your life,” Jen counsels. “Get blood flowing and the body moving.”
Related Story:
- MVHNews fitness blogger Jen Foley provides some guidelines to help seniors keep their fitness resolutions this year.
