| Description |
BACKGROUND: The senior population is often forgotten in today's society. This results in the creation of stereotypes and ultimately discrimination against senior citizens defined as ageism. As a result of ageism, seniors tend to be isolated from the rest of society and may only have a few interactions with younger populations, especially college students. Also, along with the aging process, seniors tend to become less and less active. A current problem within the senior community is a lack of resources, including time, money, and volunteers especially for providing physical activity opportunities. This combined with increasing inactivity in a senior population can have severe impacts on seniors' health both physically and physiologically. METHODS: In order to address these issues, the Lowell Bennion Community Service Center and both Liberty Senior Center and 10th East Senior Center were brought together. It was decided that the influx of students providing physical activity sessions needed to be more consistent. This Integrated Service Project (lSP) focused on creating a more formal relationship with the senior centers and providing opportunities for students to challenge their own biases as well gain basic skills for putting together an exercise program. RESULTS: The project Fitness Hour with Seniors seeks to address ageism and declining levels of physical activity in the senior population. This was done through the formation of a partnership resulting in a student directed program. With a working curriculum and brief training video, volunteers can feel comfortable and ready to begin their physical activity sessions at the senior centers. A reflection video is also available to speak to the significance of having university students providing physical activity sessions for seniors. |
