WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: In a study gathering recommendations from AL residents about a program to increase physical activity. most residents were interested in increasing their activity and thought of it as being important. However, they had concerns about the program’s level of difficulty, the length of sessions, and how the end goals were framed. Thus, it is vital to elicit feedback from residents when designing a new program in AL.
Physical Activity
Yoga Practice as a Coping Strategy for Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities: A Qualitative Content Analysis
Yoga Practice as a Coping Strategy for Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities: A Qualitative Content Analysis
Introduction: Living in an assisted living facility (ALF) can be stressful for some residents. Hatha yoga has been demonstrated to facilitate coping among the general population, but this has not been explored with residents of ALFs. The purpose of this study was to explore participants’ proactive use of yoga during and after a yoga intervention […]
Effects of the Mobility-Fit Physical Activity Program on Strength and Mobility in Older Adults in Assisted Living: A Feasibility Study
Effects of the Mobility-Fit Physical Activity Program on Strength and Mobility in Older Adults in Assisted Living: A Feasibility Study
Physical activity programs focusing on fall prevention often overlook upper-limb strength, which is important for transferring, balance recovery, and arresting a fall. We developed and evaluated a physical activity program, Mobility-Fit for older adults in Assisted Living (AL) that includes upper-limb strengthening, agility, coordination, and balance exercises. Thirty participants (85 ± 6 years) were recruited […]
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior of Residents in Assisted Living: A Preliminary Study
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior of Residents in Assisted Living: A Preliminary Study
Low physical activity (PA) and high sedentary behavior (SB) place residents in assisted living at risk for physical decline, but little is known about factors that influence PA/SB in this setting. In the current cross-sectional study, we described objectively measured PA/SB (activPAL™) and examined the relationships between PA/SB and use of an assistive walking device, […]
Replication of Implementing a Sit-to-Stand Exercise Program in an Assisted Living Facility
Replication of Implementing a Sit-to-Stand Exercise Program in an Assisted Living Facility
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A 20-bed AL community in rural North Carolina implemented a sit-to-stand exercise program (i.e., having residents rise from a sitting position and then sit back down). A total of 13 residents participated in the program which was offered twice daily over 82 days. The average attendance rate for participants for all sessions was over 90%, and each participant was able to complete all 5 exercises during each session. Over the course of the program participants saw modest increases in average activities of daily living independence scores; however, these changes were not statistically significant. Activities that were measured included toileting, bathing, dressing, transferring, and continence.
The Impact of Cognitive Impairment on Clinical Symptoms, Physical Activity and Care Interactions among Residents in Assisted Living Settings
The Impact of Cognitive Impairment on Clinical Symptoms, Physical Activity and Care Interactions among Residents in Assisted Living Settings
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study included 550 AL residents from 59 communities, and assessed how cognitive impairment relates to physical activity, pain, and willingness to receive staff-assisted function-focused care. It found that cognitively impaired residents were less active, experienced more pain, and were less interested in staff-assisted function-focused care activities.