A 24-week physical activity program implemented in long-term care facilities during COVID-19: Effects on functional fitness in older adults over 70

Healthy aging emphasizes the maintenance of optimal physical functioning. As older adults age, they may experience muscle loss and decline in physical abilities, which can lead to a greater need for long-term care services. This loss of independence may result in reduced opportunities for social engagement, including learning and participation in various programs. Therefore, this study aims to implement a long-term physical activity program and investigate its benefits for older adults in day care facilities. The goal is to provide valuable insights for future program design in similar settings, offering more stable and long-lasting solutions. The study included 57 Taiwanese older adults from day care facilities, comprising 8 males and 49 females, with ages ranging from 72 to 100 years (mean age of 85.6 ± 1.3 years). The participants engaged in a physical activity program twice a week, with each session lasting one hour, over a period of 24 weeks (December, 2021 to June, 2022). Changes in participants’ functional fitness were measured before and after the exercise intervention. The results demonstrated significant improvements in participants’ functional fitness following the intervention, indicating the potential of a 24-week physical activity program for promoting health in older adults. This study employed a progressive and long-term physical activity program, suggesting that care professionals should consider adopting similar approaches to provide stable and extended programs within long-term care facilities. Implementing such programs may enhance the physical functioning of older adults.