Exercising With Weights Found to Aid Elderly

Researchers at Tufts University have found that frail people in their late 80s and 90s get around more quickly, climb stairs better and sometimes even throw away their walkers after a few weeks of lifting weights to strengthen their legs.

The study suggests that one reason the elderly grow chair-bound is that their muscles are weak from lack of exercise.

Dr. Evan Hadley, associate director for geriatrics at the National Institute on Aging, recommended that nursing homes start exercise programs similar to the routine used by the Tufts group.

The study, published in today’s issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, involved 100 men and women who appeared to be typical of frail nursing home residents.

Their average age was 87, and about one-third were in their 90s. Half were demented, and many suffered from a variety of other ills, including arthritis, lung disease and high blood pressure.

They were randomly assigned to participate in ordinary nursing home activities or to work out vigorously for 45 minutes three times a week.

Those who exercised increased their walking speed by 12% and their ability to climb stairs by 28%. Four who needed walkers to get around became able to walk with just a cane.

The people who worked out were also less depressed and more likely to take part in nursing home activities.