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Quality of Life Research

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Open Access 01-12-2019

Increasing exercise frequency is associated with health and quality-of-life benefits for older adults

Authors: Kenneth P. Kell, Elizabeth Y. Rula

Published in: Quality of Life Research | Issue 12/2019

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate whether health-related quality-of-life measures can be improved in a senior population by increasing participation in an exercise program.

Methods

The study involved a nationwide sample of adults aged 65 and older (mean age 73.2 in first study year) who participated in the SilverSneakers fitness program between 2010 and 2016. We analyzed data from 7 years of program participation records and annual participant surveys. Study members completed ≥ 2 annual surveys (n = 46,564). Participation frequency change was measured by average visits per week (AVPW) to a fitness center from the initial survey year to follow-up years. Quality-of-life measures included the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Self-Rated Health, and BRFSS Healthy Days measures. Longitudinal analyses evaluated whether an increase in visit frequency among active members of SilverSneakers was associated with change in quality-of-life measures, controlling for age and gender.

Results

Participants with more frequent visits (higher AVPW) had better SF-12 Physical and Mental Component Scores, Self-Rated Health Status, and fewer physically and mentally unhealthy days (p < 0.001 for all measures); furthermore, participants who increased AVPW longitudinally saw improvements in all outcome measures (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

SilverSneakers participation frequency is associated with higher quality of life for seniors.

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Title: Increasing exercise frequency is associated with health and quality-of-life benefits for older adults
Authors: Kenneth P. Kell
Elizabeth Y. Rula
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Quality of Life Research / Issue 12/2019
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-019-02264-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Increasing exercise frequency is associated with health and quality-of-life benefits for older adults

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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