LIFT Success Stories

Approach

LIFT Outcomes

LIFT is an

Evidence-Based

Program that can help Older Adults:

Develop Relationships

Improve Functional Fitness

Improve Emotional Health

Impact Statements

Excerpt from University of Wyoming Connect 2018

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LIFT in Pulaski

LIFT in Rappahannock

LIFT in the Community

I just had to share that 6 of the participants from my first LIFT class are still meeting on their own. I am so proud of them.

-Becky

The ladies in my LIFT class are already asking about continuing the program after this 8 weeks! - Crystal

Giles County, Virginia

Rappahannock, Virginia

Portsmouth, Virginia

Surry, Virginia

Orange County, Virginia

LIFT in Research

Peer Reviewed Publications:

Wilson ML,* Strayer TE III*, Davis R, Harden SM. (2018). Informed adaptations of a strength-training program through a research-practice partnership. Frontiers in Public Health. 6:58.

Wilson ML*, Strayer T III*, Davis R, Harden SM. (2018). Use of an integrated research-practice partnership to improve outcomes of a community-based strength-training program for older adults: Reach and Effect of Lifelong Improvements through Fitness Together (LIFT). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 31;15(2). pii: E237. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15020237.

Balis L*, Strayer III T*, Ramalingam NS*, Wilson M*, Harden SM. (2018). Open-Access Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults: A Pragmatic and Systematic Review. The Gerontologist. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnx195

Balis LE*, Strayer TE*, Ramalingam NS*, Harden SM. (2018) Beginning with the End in Mind: Contextual Considerations for Scaling-Out a Community-Based Intervention. Frontiers in Public Health 6:357. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00357.

Work that informed LIFT:

I. STRONG WOMEN, STRONG BONES
Dr. Miriam Nelson, Tufts University
A two-stage, 12-week program developed for midlife and older women focusing on exercise and nutrition. The first stage aims to convey strategies for increasing muscle mass, strength and function throughout aging, where-as stage two places an emphasis on low to moderate activity and nutrition to prevent heart disease. The overall goal is to promote confidence and behavior changes for women through physical activity and nutrition.

II. STAY STRONG, STAY HEALTHY
Dr. Steve Ball, University of Missouri
A 10-week long program developed to enhance the health and well-being of all middle-aged and older adults. The program involves a structured strength-training program that places great emphasis on safety and participation. The overall goals are to increase muscle and bone density to decrease risk of osteoporosis and frailty, which increases the safety and well-being of older individuals.

III. ACTIVITY FOR THE AGES
Dr. Paul Estabrooks, Kansas State University
A 12-session program developed to promote physical activity for all older adults. With a focus on strength training, aerobic activities, and balance, this program incorporates fun with physical activity through team-building to increase motivation and self belonging. Group sessions aim to develop a heightened social setting that encourages participants to set and achieve group and personal goals.