Feasibility Study of Walking for Exercise in Individuals Living in Assisted Living Settings

Abstract

Background and Purpose-Decreased physical activity levels are an increasing concern, specifically for the aging population. Older adults (>65 years) are able to achieve health benefits from participating in a regular exercise program based on studies done in younger communitydwelling older adults. There is less research investigating the efficacy of exercise for improving physical function among the older adult population in assisted living settings. This study investigated using a treadmill with a harness system, to engage older adults in aerobic exercise. The primary objective of the study was to assess the feasibility of a large trial by evaluating the recruitment and short-term retention rate of older adults with limited mobility. Secondary objectives were to determine whether older adults could achieve the frequency, intensity, and duration of aerobic exercise recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Evaluation of a Pet-Assisted Living Intervention for Improving Functional Status in Assisted Living Residents With Mild to Moderate Cognitive Impairment

“…Some of the factors that serve as barriers to engagement in physical activity among long-term care residents include apathy, boredom, lack of motivation, and anxiety. 91 -93 When traditional walking and exercise programs are offered in these settings, only a small number of residents are willing to participate, 94 and nurses may resign themselves to engaging residents in sedentary activities. Additionally, many long-term care facilities offer pet visitation or pet presence; however, many do not utilize these pet visits to overcome the motivational challenges and actively engage AL residents with cognitive impairment in physical activities.…”

Physical Activity Programming for Older Adults in Assisted Living: Residents’ Perspectives

“…There have been several other interventions focused on exercise or physical activity in the AL setting (Alvarez et al, 2015; Beato et al, 2018; Chen et al, 2021; Greene et al, 2017; Hummer et al, 2015; Johnson et al, 2013; Lauze et al, 2017; Resnick et al, 2011; Stanmore et al, 2019; Sung, 2009; Van Roie et al, 2017; Vanroy et al, 2019). Most of these studies had small sample sizes and only one measured light physical activity (Van Roie et al, 2017).…”