Best tonic for the elderly may be a gym workout: Study
By Janice Tai of The Straits Times
Special equipment helps seniors regain independence by improving balance and strengthening leg muscles
When someone grows old and frail, many caregivers put them in blankets or on wheelchairs. Yet, new research suggests they might be better off working out in gyms.
After using special fitness equipment twice a week for at least three months, about 180 seniors from 13 eldercare facilities here were found to have better balance. They were able to stand up for longer periods and walk longer distances.
For example, the longest distance walked in the preceding seven days rose from 790m to 970m on average for those who live at home but use eldercare centres, and from 680m to 760m for those in a nursing home.
The improvement in leg muscle strength also meant they could better manage daily routines, such as eating and dressing, and with less supervision. The average age of the participants was 72.
"The results are rather significant in terms of improvement rates and when compared with other studies," said study researcher Magnus Bjorkgren, who heads the health science unit at Jyvaskyla University in Finland. "We now have some indications of people getting more independent."
