By Trish Svoboda/Photos courtesy of K-State Research and Extension
Since 2015, Kansas Extension has partnered with the University of Missouri Extension to deliver the “Stay Strong, Stay Healthy” program, an eight-week strength training course designed specifically for older adults. Based on research by Dr. Miriam Nelson, the program focuses on helping participants improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall wellness as they age.
Sharolyn Jackson, Extension Specialist, FCS Northeast area, and certified master trainer for the program in Kansas, said the program stands out by bringing exercise classes directly to communities. “There are a lot of good fitness programs out there for older adults,” said Jackson. “But I think what really sets this apart is that through K-State research and extension we can take the program to where the people are. We go to community centers, churches, any locations in communities where people gather.”
Jackson explained the program begins with dynamic stretching and gradually adds weights to build strength safely. “We do a warmup before the class with some dynamic stretching, getting the body warmed up,” said Jackson. “Then we do the exercises. The exercises start without any weight, so we focus on form. After that, we start to add weight and add repetitions, gradually increasing that load to develop strength. And at the end we do a cool down.”
Participants report not only physical improvements like reduced pain and better sleep but also significant mental health benefits. “A lot of them reported gaining confidence and feeling stronger,” Jackson said. She also noted a patient who said she canceled her back surgery because she was feeling a lot less pain.
Many have found the social aspect of the classes helps reduce isolation and supports emotional well-being. “It allows older adults to continue doing activities that fill their cups, like going to their children’s ball games, and getting down on the floor to play with their grandkids,” said Jackson. “Being able to age in place saves not only tons of money to keep them in their homes longer, but is so important for their mental health and well-being.”
Currently, Kansas has 52 trained instructors delivering the program statewide, with ongoing efforts to expand, especially into rural communities where exercise options may be limited. While virtual classes are not widely offered yet, expanding online options is a goal for the future.
The program requires instructors to maintain certification through annual training and CPR certification, and currently, training is only available to Extension employees. At this time, there are 52 trained master instructors.
Jackson and co-leader and master trainer, Ashley Svaty, Extension Specialist, FCS Northwest area, continue to support the program’s expansion, highlighting its role in promoting healthy aging and building stronger, more connected communities for seniors across Kansas.
Last year, more than 256 participants completed the program with documented improvements in strength and balance, and the actual number served is even higher. “These numbers are just from those who filled out the pre and post fitness assessments and all of the forms and surveys that we did, so we actually reached more than this,” said Jackson.
For older adults interested in participating or Extension employees wanting to become instructors, the program continues to grow and offer valuable resources across the state.
More information on the program can be found here.
