For nearly two decades, Stephen Ball, a professor at the University of Missouri College of Health Sciences, has been committed to a significant mission: helping older adults in Missouri maintain health and strength through physical activity.
In 2005, he played a pivotal role in launching the “Stay Strong Stay Healthy” (SSSH) program. Since its inception, this eight-week strength training initiative has positively impacted over 20,000 older individuals across five states.
The program is specially designed for those aged 60 and above, focusing on safe and effective exercises like squats, bicep curls, and lunges. These sessions are held in welcoming, community-based settings, making exercise a social and enjoyable activity.
Ball emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity for aging individuals, highlighting that staying active doesn’t require expensive gym memberships or personal trainers.
The success of the SSSH program is evident. Participants have consistently reported increases in physical energy and self-confidence.
Moreover, several peer-reviewed studies support the program’s effectiveness in enhancing muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and improving sleep quality. Crucially, it has also been shown to reduce the risk of falls, a major concern for the elderly.
Ball notes another key benefit: the social enjoyment participants gain. The program fosters a sense of community among older adults, often leading to friendships and social outings like lunches or ice cream trips with instructors.
The program’s effectiveness is further validated by a recent article in the Journal of Applied Gerontology, titled “Improving older adults’ functional health using the progressive Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program.”
SSSH is structured in two levels. After completing the introductory eight-week Level 1 class, participants can progress to the more challenging Level 2.
A study analyzing the effectiveness of Level 2, involving over 400 participants in Missouri and Kansas, found that not only did participants maintain health benefits gained from Level 1, but they also saw additional improvements in Level 2.
The program is also an educational platform for MU students. Undergraduate and graduate students get the opportunity to lead sessions, honing skills like relationship-building and leadership.
Student instructors, like Audrey Guess and Melaina Files, have found these experiences immensely rewarding and eye-opening, influencing their career paths.
SSSH aligns with MU’s missions of teaching, research, and community outreach. Ball, alongside Kelsey Weitzel, an associate extension professor and SSSH program manager, educates MU Extension field faculty to deliver the program, extending its reach to older adults in rural areas.
The program’s success has led to collaborations with Oklahoma State University and recognition as an “evidence-based program” by the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Looking ahead, Ball aims to attain evidence-based status from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), which would facilitate additional funding and potentially national expansion.
This expansion is crucial for helping more older adults reduce their fall risk and maintain independence.
Ball and his team are proud of their impact and are not stopping there. They are piloting a Level 3 class to help participants continue their progress.
Through SSSH, they are not only enhancing the health of older adults but also fostering professional development opportunities for MU students.
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The research findings can be found in the Journal of Applied Gerontology.
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