Science-Backed Benefits of Weight Training for Seniors
Muscular Strength and Power Loss:
Normal aging is marked by a progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and power. This is associated with decreased functional independence and increased all-cause mortality.
Falls and Injuries
Incidence of serious injuries due to falls has consistently risen over the last 20 years. It will continue to do so. The problem is only getting worse
–People with muscle weakness 5x more likely to fall
–Hospitalization rate due to falls increases from 6/1000 in 65-74 y/o up to 46/1000 among those 85+
–Falls account of 40% of all injury related deaths
It’s time to rethink health & fitness programming
We have an obligation to maintain or increase functional independence, while reducing the risk of disease and injury
Transcending Traditional Limitations
Research shows it takes 50+ hours of intervention to lead to a clinically significant reduction in fall risk. PT will never get this amount of coverage. Fitness program needs to work with therapy programs.
Preventative Not Reactive
The frailty and decreased energy we associate with aging, such as difficulty walking for distances, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries, is largely due to muscle loss. This muscle loss results mainly from inactivity. The old saying is true when it comes to muscles and strength: “Use it or lose it.”
Speed and Power
Studies have shown greater functional enhancements comparing explosive resistance training and traditional resistance training in older adults.
Muscular power is more predictive of all cause mortality than muscular strength alone
Measurable Outcomes
- We are successfully training seniors to build and/or maintain muscle mass, muscle power, strength, mobility, and freedom from pain.
- Routinely see a room full of seniors up to 100+ y/o who can successfully hip-hinge, squat, carry, shift, balance, push, pull, rotate, and anti-rotate with fluidity and confidence across multiple scenarios.
- We are measurably increasing their power.
- Zero injuries. Maximum engagement
LTA is bridging the gap between knowledge and resources
Without meaningful data, it is impossible to set goals and track the success of any program.
We have developed a process that enables operators to get a clear picture of the overall health of their residents and to measure the effectiveness of their fitness programming.
- Assessments allow us to gather to most clinically significant data to both guide our programming, establish goals, and track progress.
- LTA Fitness Test: Strength, velocity (power), endurance, mobility, movement mastery.
- Fall Risk Assessment: Medical history review, clinical balance assessment, medication review (for fall risk), fall history. completed by DPT and Wellness Medical Director
- Injury Screening: Medical history review, collaboration with PT/OT as needed, movement screening, musculoskeletal assessment