A common ailment among the elderly is tightness of the iliotibial band (IT band). This condition will impede walking. The IT band basically extends from the hip and upper thigh into the knee.
The outside of the knee presents as tender-to-the-touch and might be accompanied by tightness in the hamstring tendon. Mild stretching and pressing will relax the tendons over time. Simple side leg lifts will strengthen the area.
An effective way for senior adults to stretch the leg is to be seated and prop-up one leg on a chair directly in front. Carefully reach forward as much as is comfortable and apply gentle pressure with the fingers to the outside of the knee.

“Sit & Be Fit” is recommended exercise for seniors. The half-hour sessions choreograph a variety of exercises that are performed while seated in a chair. The exercises are simple, yet effective. Mary Ann Wilson, RN, the creator of “Sit & Be Fit”, consults with physicians and exercise physiologists in the development of her exercise program which she has been improving for the past eight years. Some topics of interest covered in her series are improving posture, abdominal exercises, and eye-hand coordination.
As fitness director, I have conducted University Living’s fitness class in a similar manner. A wide variety of exercises engage residents while keeping their interest with new and challenging movements. Although hand weights are used for one session, others explore strength tubing, leg bands, paper [...]

Silver Personal Training (for older adults, age 60 and over) is made available to the outside community by University Living.  Each session includes one hour of comprehensive exercise training to cover strength, balance, flexibility, and core strength.  It is followed by aerobic exercise on the NuStep Cross Trainer.
Interested individuals may call University Living on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday to schedule a free exercise session with Fitness Director June Smedley, MS, CSCS.
University Living is committed to helping older adults enhance daily living through exercise.  We welcome the opportunity to invite the community to visit our facility by offering this service.

As recipients of the 2008 Pinnacle Award for Senior Living, all of us at University Living were honored by the recognition. The Pinnacle Award taught us that the possibilities for innovative senior programming are numerous. We continue to build programs in education, environmental and social activities, and overall wellness. Our fitness program is committed to encouraging participation through personal training and classes. We feel it is a privilege to be at University Living.