Evaluation of The Canadian Red Cross Society's Fun and Fitness Program for Seniors

Abstract

An ongoing, structured, low-intensity exercise program designed to foster physical, social and cognitive functioning was evaluated in 128 seniors ranging in age from 55 to 101 years. The sample included individuals residing in the general community, seniors' apartment complexes and institutional care facilities. Participation in other exercises was found to increase since joining the program. The program appeared to be providing an opportunity for social interaction among participants, and the exercises appeared to be mentally stimulating. Implications for program modifications, including building in self-monitoring procedures, are discussed.

Acute Exercise Facilitates Semantically Cued Memory in Nursing Home Residents

“…However, a larger scale replication is required before full confidence can be invested in the practical utility of acute exercise regimens. Because the non‐strenuous nature of the Canadian Red Cross Society, Seniors Fun and Fitness Program permits brief doses to be repeated throughout the day, we also suggest that the effects of frequent, but brief, doses be compared with those of longer but less frequent doses, the latter having been suggested elsewhere to facilitate memory in geriatric populations 13 . Efficient use of nursing aides or recreational personnel, trained to lead the program, might prove a cost‐effective way to facilitate memory in sedentary nursing home residents.…”

Research on Physical Activity in the Elderly: Practical Implications for Program Planning

“…Five studies (Clark, Wade et al, 1975;Karl, 1982;Lesser, 1978;Munns. 1981;Myers & Hamilton, 1985) included some measure of daily functioning ability. 2 Based on observational ratings, neither Clark et al (1975) nor Karl (1982) found any significant improvements in the self-care activities of their institutional exercise groups.…”

Development and Evaluation of “Aging Well and Healthily”: A Health-Education and Exercise Program for Community-Living Older Adults

“…In uncontrolled studies, the original SMILE program has been found to have beneficial effects on blood-pressure variables, which are important predictors of cardiovascular disease (Hickey, Benedict, & Wolf, 1995). The Canadian Red Cross Fit and Fun program (Myers & Hamilton, 1985) was another source of inspiration. For a brief description of the content of AWH, see Figure 1.…”