[Approaches to organizing group physical activities for the elderly in social service centers.]

Abstract

The aim of the study is to study the organization of group physical activities for the elderly in social service centers. The work was carried out on the basis of social service centers, where a comprehensive geriatric assessment was carried out for 635 elderly people (average age - 69,2±2,3 years). In addition to the standard recommendations, the patients of the main group were provided with an original multimodal program of group physical exercises 3 times a week for 30 minutes for 3 months. Control points of observation: before the start of the study, after 3 months (at the end of the group exercise program), after 6 and 12 months. All patients were assessed on the scales of motor activity, a 6-minute walking test was performed, the cognitive functions and psychological status of the patient were assessed, and the quality of sleep was determined. An improvement in functional abilities and muscle function has been achieved, which remains stable by 6 months from the start of the program (6-minute walking test 406,2±8,4 m, Montreal test 27,2±0,3 points, p<0,05), by the end of the first year, the indicators decrease respectively to 374,2±6,6 m and to 26,6±0,1 points, but remain above the initial values (p<0,05). In terms of psychological status and sleep quality, the effects achieved remain stable for 12 months. The developed multimodal program of group physical activities in social service centers leads to increased muscle strength, increased walking speed, stabilization of balance function, improved cognitive status, decreased severity of anxiety and depression, and improved sleep quality, which proves the need to repeat it at least once a year.