Tufts Strong Living Exercise Program   

The Strong Living Program is a community-based exercise program for older adults created by researchers and exercise physiologists at the Center for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston. The Tufts Strong Living Program is based upon two decades of laboratory-based research on exercise and the aging process. This research has clearly shown that older adults can improve their health and fitness with appropriate exercise. The most recent aging studies demonstrate the importance of strength, balance, and flexibility training for older adults to maintain their ability to function independently and help decrease the occurrence of falls.

The goals of the Strong Living Program are to apply scientific research in community settings by conducting safe and effective exercise programs for older adults (50 and over or adults with disabilities of any age), remove barriers, and increase access, regardless of income.

The office of NH Celebrates Wellness has been instrumental in bringing this program to NH, certifying instructors throughout the state. Since the year 2000, 1451 NH men and women have participated in the Strong Living Program. The age range for NH participants has been 34-95 years old.

Comments from some participants:

"I do feel stronger when it comes to lifting (grocery bags, grandchildren), and it is easier to get up and out of a chair."
"I feel more energetic and have more stamina."
"Better balance, endurance. Great sense of achievement."
"Feel better, more energetic--lost weight."
"Slept better and less back pain."
"Found myself looking forward to days of exercise."
"The support of the various trainers, with lightness and humor when appropriate, helped in staying with the program."

Description of the Program:

• 12-weeks in duration, with 2 one-hour exercise sessions each week on non-consecutive days.
• Participants are required to complete screening and enrollment forms, such as participant information, medical history and current health survey, informed consent/release of responsibility form, and a medical clearance for exercise signed by their physician.
• All participants will be asked to do a pre and post-program Physical Function Assessment. This assessment will provide information about the participant’s pre-exercise status and will also measure changes or improvement as a result of the program. This information is submitted to Tufts for inclusion in their data collection and ongoing program revisions. The assessment consists of timed tasks that are practical and safe. They are used to evaluate lower body function, which is an independent, short-term predictor of mortality and nursing home admission in  older adults.
• The exercises in the program have progressive levels of difficulty that allow participants of varying levels of ability to participate together in the same program. The program consists of:
1. Warm-Up
2. Resistance Training with ankle weights and dumbbells
3. Balance Training
4. Cool-Down and Flexibility
• Two certified SLP instructors teach a class of 18-24 participants

Cost/Supplies:

• There is a nominal fee for this class - please call 1-800-4-EXETER for information. 
• FREE to those eligible for Food Stamps, Medicaid or other types of assistance.
• Weights will be provided for each participant.

Program Date/Location:

• Locations will always be convenient and accessible to older adults.
• Call 1-800-4-EXETER for next program date/location and to register.