The effect of physical activity on the lives of older adults who are making the transition into residential aged care

Transition into Residential Aged Care (Tri-RAC) Equipment used: balls, free weights, resistance bands A physical activity exercise program that includes strength, flexibility/mobility and balance exercises. Additional activities may include walking, playing ball games and dancing. The physical activity sessions will be delivered by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist The physical activity program will consist of both 1:1 face to face sessions, as well as group sessions. The participant will receive 2 sessions per week for 12 weeks. Each session will be 30-40 minutes in duration and of low to moderate intensity. The sessions will take place within a residential aged care facility at various locations, such as the participant's room, a communal lounge area and outside in the garden. The physical activity program will be individualised for each participant, taking into account their functional ability, if they walk with or without an aid, what they enjoy doing, and safety. Exercises will be modified according the each participant's abilities and the area that will provide them with the most benefit (E.g., if their legs are weak and they are unable to stand up unaided, the exercises will focus mostly on lower limb strength). Adherence will be noted with the use of a simple attendance sheet. An example of exercises: bicep curls, tricep extensions, shoulder and chest press, sit-to-stand, knee extension, neck range of motion, seated rows, standing marching, weight shifting, calf raises.