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Exercise for Independent Living:
the impact of exercise in maintaining independence among older people

This study addresses the issue of disability among our ageing population. Preservation of function among our older citizens, and their capacity to live independently, is of significant social, public health and economic benefit. The aims of this study are to (1) test the efficacy of exercise in delaying disability among older people, prior to its onset, (2) investigate the mechanisms by which exercise intervenes in the disability pathway, (3) determine the cost-benefits of exercise for older people. The study is currently recruiting 500 people over 70 years of age and randomly assign them to receive one of two exercise programs: “Flex and Move” (a flexibility and relaxation program), or “Focus and Flow” (consisting primarily of Tai Chi moves) for a period of 48 weeks. The groups will then be compared to determine if there is any difference in the development of disability as well as a range of functional outcomes such as strength, balance, depression, arthritic symptoms, life satisfaction, and falls.

This will be the first study world-wide to test the impact of any exercise program on delaying the manifestation of disability among older people. Robust evidence that exercise can in fact delay disability will have immediate and significant implications for the maintenance of independence among older people at a critical time for our ageing population. Translation of these research results to practice will decrease demand for support services for community dwelling older people, and for places in supported accommodation facilities. Older people will have improved quality of life, and government and non-government agencies will experience reduced demand for limited resources. This internationally significant study will also contribute to understanding the mechanisms by which disability develops, and create the valuable opportunity for continuing research on attrition of effect and long term adherence to exercise programs.

The project is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, and has the support of Australian Retirement Communities and Arthritis Victoria. It is expected to be completed by December 2008.

Chief Investigators

  • Dr Lesley Day, Monash University Accident Research Centre
  • A/Prof Keith Hill, National Ageing Research Institute
  • Prof Leon Flicker, University of Western Australia
  • A/Prof Damien Jolley, Monash Institute for Health Services Research
  • A/Prof Leonie Segal, Monash University Centre for Health Economics

For further details, contact:

Dr Lesley Day
Ph 9905 1811
e-mail: Lesley.day@muarc.monash.edu.au