ning not only benefits both men and women of all ages, but of all levels of fitness as well.7 Furthermore, such a program can play a role in helping to prevent and treat chronic conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis, among others (TABLE 3).7 The program was developed at the Nutrition, Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory at Tufts University and includes motivational tips, safety precautions, and specific exercises. It is comprised of three phases: Part I uses an individual's own body weight to strengthen the body slowly and gently; Part II introduces dumbells and ankle weights to increase strength; and Part III adds variety so that new techniques boost strength further.7
Seguin et al note the goal of Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults is to help seniors make strength training a lifelong habit. To that end, the program is tailored to the needs of an older adult and provides step-by-step instructions on getting started, staying on track, and growing stronger and healthier as one ages.7
Strength-training exercises have the potential to make a profound difference in a senior's physical, mental, and emotional health. It can help both male and female older adults, at all fitness levels, reach toward greater strength and vitality and maintain independence. Pharmacists have the potential to make a difference in the lives of older adults by appropriately recommending the role of strength training in a plan of care and by counseling patients on safe medication use during exercise.
1. Beers MH, Jones TV, Berkwits M, et al, eds. The Merck Manual of Health & Aging. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; 2004:13-14, 128.
2. Beers MH, Jones TV, Berkwits M, et al, eds. The Merck Manual of Geriatrics. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; 2009-2010: Section 3, chapter 31; Section 7, chapter 48; Section 8, chapter 66. www.merck.com/mkgr/mmg/contents.jsp. Accessed August 10, 2010.
3. Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. Elsevier Saunders; 2009.
4. Fried LP, Walston J. Frailty and failure to thrive. In: Hazzard WR, Blass JP, Halter JB, et al, eds. Principles of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. 5th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, Inc; 2003:1487-1502.
5. Beers MH, Porter RS, Jones TV, et al. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 18th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; 2006:2748.
6. Satcher D. Introduction. In: Seguin RA, Epping JN, Buchner DM, et al. Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults. Boston, MA and Atlanta, GA: Tufts University Nutrition and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2002. www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/growing_stronger/growing_stronger.pdf. Accessed August 10, 2010.
7. Seguin RA, Epping JN, Buchner DM, Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults. Boston, MA and Atlanta, GA: Tufts University Nutrition and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2002.
www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/growing_stronger/growing_stronger.pdf. Accessed August 10, 2010.
8. My Epocrates, Version 9.0. San Mateo, CA: Epocrates, Inc. www.epocrates.com. Accessed August 12, 2010.
9. Semla TP, Beizer JL, Higbee MD. Geriatric Dosage Handbook. 14th ed. Hudson, OH: Lexi-Comp, Inc; 2009.
10. Nelson ME, Wernick S. Strong Women Stay Young. New York, NY: Bantam Books; 1997.
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