Earlier this month DCM media published a nice article about gyms in aged care or residential living, discussing many important topics – purpose, culture, barriers, motivation. Whilst research has proven the benefits of exercise for health, longevity, quality of life, falls prevention and many more, gyms still are underutilised.
The article, titled “Why You Need To Get Residents Into Your Gymnasium” starts by stating that the facilities understand that a gym is needed – the inclusion of an exercise facility is of importance, and is often the first thing shown to future residents. However, as stated by Simon Lockyer, co-founder CEO of Five Good Friends, gyms are often underutilised. Despite the funds spent on the gyms, only a few people actually use them while most residents don’t even know how to access the facility. You can read the full article here:
www.theweeklysource.com.au/bums-on-seats-how-to-get-residents-into-your-gymnasium/
Accessing the gym can be a game changer for many residents, a key factor on their path in ageing well, or requiring higher care needs. “If older adults want to remain independent, they must do resistance training,” says Dr Tim Henwood, Group Manager, Health & Wellness, at Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC) Inc.
Strength training is the most important part of rehabilitation to those who have experienced functional decline as it prevents ageing, disability and disease, continues Dr Henwood, “Research shows that resistance training is as effective as medication to reduce symptoms of diseases such as type II diabetes, depression and anxiety”.
What can be the reasons behind the lack of use of the exercise facilities? A large proportion of older adults have never used a gym, many have a negative image of a gym, other just think that it is not for them. But most importantly, only a few realised what the impact of strength training can be to their health and quality of life.
Simon Lockyer lists key factors that can assist in increasing the attendance. With education being the number one factor, he also mentions qualified staffing, free assessment, and programs, as well as social engagement.
HUR Australia's training for residents consists of a lecture and clinical training onsite. Pictured above are the residents and Dr Tuire Karaharju-Huisman at the Baptcare Strathalan site in Melbourne.
Another key factor is the safety and ease-of-use on the gym equipment. Indeed, in many cases little attention is paid to the fitting of the facility – who is the gym there for, who will be the users? Those who already are fit, or those who need the gym to stay healthy, even when faced with illnesses or mobility limitations.
Furthermore -how is the culture created? Are the residents encouraged to use the facility or is the gym a room fitted with a treadmill and a few dumbbells, not quite fit for purpose for its users, rather a token of appreciation, for a stamp of inclusion of a gym.
Both Tim and Simon agree that a key factor is people, people who can train, monitor and motivate, people who can create communities of people exercising together. This article echoes topics that we have talked about in the past.
A recent article in the ACCPA magazine, Aged Care Today, summarised many features in the article “Why Strength Training Should Be Standard.”
Click here to read that article.
When discussing culture, one great example is The Henley on Broadwater, where CEO Patrick Smith and Fitness Consultant Liz Webster, together with lifestyle staff, have created a true culture of active ageing where 100 residents out of 131 have signed up to the health club and train almost daily at the gym, reaping the benefits.
For HUR Australia, education is key. With every installation, we educate the staff, and also meet with the residents to educate them about the benefits of exercise, like recently at Baptcare Strathalan.
We have been introducing specialist speakers in our Webinars, covering a wide range of topics, relating to training modalities. We support Dr Jennie Hewitt in rolling out her Exerci4Life program throughout Australia,
We take part in conferences, occasionally also being accepted to present podium presentation, summarising the recent research findings.
With a few national and international conference approaching in the next months, we look forward to sharing the active ageing message far and wide. If you wish to discuss education with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us, sales@huraustralia.com.au
