Older adults are challenged with aging-related declines in skeletal muscle mass and function. Although exercise interventions of longer duration typically yield larger changes, shorter-term interventions may kick-start positive effects, allowing participants to begin engaging in more activity. This study aimed to determine whether 8 weeks of a resistance training program (Stay Strong, Stay Healthy [SSSH]) improved dynamic muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and sleep. Inactive adults aged ≥60 years were randomized into SSSH (n = 15), walking (WALK; n = 17), or control (CON; n = 14) groups. The SSSH and WALK groups met 2 times per week for 60 min. The participants completed pre/post general health, activity, and sleep questionnaires; DXA scans; and functional tasks. One-way repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine interactions and decomposed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. SSSH improved sit-to-stand performance, back scratch distance, and sleep quality and reported more auxiliary physical activity than WALK or CON (p < .05). Resistance training interventions in sedentary older adults can improve physical function and encourage additional activity in 8 weeks.

Comorbidities affecting physical function increase with advanced-age and rural living. This study investigated the degree of benefit from resistance training (RT) in older adults based on age (50–89 years), location (urban vs. rural), and program duration (10 vs. 8-weeks). 260 participants completed pre- and post-program dynamic and static tasks and flexibility testing. Paired and independent t-tests and one-way and repeated measures ANOVAs were used to test group improvements. All ages improved performance (all p ≤ .002) but those in their 50’s improved flexibility the most and those in their 60’s improved 30STS more and tandem balance less than those in their 80’s. Both rural and urban participants improved in all areas (all p ≤ .002), but rural participants reported greater improvements in tandem balance. Both 10- and 8-week classes improved performance (all p ≤ .001), but 8-week participants improved dynamic tasks and tandem balance more. RT can reduce functional discrepancies in older adults and rural residents.

Age-related declines in physical function can be mitigated with resistance training (RT), but most adults do not regularly exercise. We aimed to identify the magnitude and duration of benefits after RT in the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy (SSSH) program. A total of 27 adults (Repeaters n = 15; Summer Only n = 12), aged 60.7 ± 4.8 years, completed the same 8 weeks of SSSH in the summer and Repeaters continued in fall and spring months. Independent and paired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to test changes in survey responses and physical performance over 10 months. Both groups were similar at baseline ( p > .07) and improved from pre- to post-summer for health surveys scores, 30 second-sit-to-stand, timed-up-and-go, and sit-n-reach ( p ≤ .02). Additionally, Repeaters (measured data) and Summer Only (2.3% modeled decline) maintained those improvements 10 months later. Participation in 8 weeks of SSSH significantly improved physical strength and function and these improvements may last up to a year.

Purpose Physical activity and exercise are critical for older adults’ physical and mental health. The purpose of this qualitative study was to richly capture the motivators of and barriers to engaging in physical activity in previously inactive older adults who participated in a three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) of eight-week group exercise interventions. Methods We conducted a qualitative content analysis of individual interviews with fifteen participants—five from each study arm: strength training, walking, and inactive control. Participants included nine females and six males ranging from 60 to 86 years of age. Results Key motivators of physical activity included perceived improvements in physical and mental health, positive social influences, observed health deterioration in others, and the desire to spend time with and take care of family members. Barriers to physical activity included existing health conditions, fear of getting hurt, negative social influences, perceived lack of time and motivation, inconvenient times and locations, and monetary cost. Conclusions Our findings add to the body of literature identifying factors that motivate and stand in the way of older adults’ engagement in physical activity. These factors influence older adults’ self-efficacy and should be incorporated into the design of new and existing programs to encourage initiation and maintenance of physical activity.

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