A Practice Combining Exercise and Social Interaction for Community-Dwelling Elderly People and Its Outcomes

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to clarify the impact of an intervention combining exercise, lifestyle guidance, and community-building activities on the walking function of community-dwelling elderly individuals. METHODS A total of 391 elderly participants (362 females, 29 males), aged 65 and above, were involved in a one-year intervention consisting of physical activities in a health exercise club, community-building activities, and dementia cafes. The walking function was assessed using an artificial intelligence (AI)-based gait analysis tool and health status was evaluated using a questionnaire. Pre- and post-intervention walking function and questionnaire scores were compared. RESULTS After the intervention, walking speed improved, and both gait regularity and left-right asymmetry also showed improvements. The questionnaire scores also improved, and the number of frail elderly individuals decreased. Walking speed improved from 3.86 seconds to 3.09 seconds, and gait regularity improved from 6.96% to 5.75%. DISCUSSION It is believed that muscle strength training and increased social interaction contributed to the improvement of walking function. Furthermore, community-based participatory activities played an important role in enhancing health status and psychological stability, suggesting an improvement in quality of life.