banner

Daniels County

StrongPeople Strength Training Program Impacts Local Residents

Published: 2020
By Inga Hawbaker
StrongPeople is a national, evidence-based community exercise program that has been increasingly popular in Daniels County, having been led by the previous and current Extension agent. While the program is open to individuals of all ages, the curriculum focuses on the aging population, helping participants retain strength, stay independent longer, and avoid chronic illness. The program grew out of research published by Dr. Miriam E. Nelson of Tuft University on bone density in older adults, which became popular through her first book, Strong Women Stay Young. For the current winter session, there are 16 female participants registered. Returning community members attest to the benefits of the exercise curriculum. The 2019-2020 class participants provided the following statements: - “My attitude about different things has changed a lot. I feel happier and not alone” - “This program motivated me to keep exercising at home on my own. There is no charge for the program and it is a blessing to many seniors. Thank you!” Results from a participant survey found that 100% of participants report feeling stronger, having better balance, increased mobility and stamina, and 80% report sleeping better and feeling less stressed; 60% of participants report less chronic pain, with 100% of participants reporting intent to maintain a similar physical activity routine on their own. Participants value the comraderie the program fosters and depend on it to stay active during northeast Montana’s long winter months.
Daniels County 4-H members, leaders, and volunteers meeting for a sewing project day to work on cloth clothing covers for Daniels Memorial Healthcare.