May 18, 2026
McMaster University recently published the results of a five-year study that followed over 100 adults with an average age of 65. With the context that ageing typically causes steady declines in cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, this retrospective study examined whether long-term participation in a supervised community exercise program could slow those declines.
The short answer: not only do these community exercise programs slow such declines, but in some cases, they actually reversed them!
As part of the study, participants were encouraged to attend a program at least twice per week and complete a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per session (ideally 150 minutes per week), plus resistance training for every major muscle group, in keeping with national physical activity guidelines for older adults.
According to a related article on the study in McMaster News, “Researchers found men experienced slower declines in cardiorespiratory fitness than expected, while women’s cardiorespiratory fitness actually improved throughout the study. Both groups also maintained greater muscle strength than expected for their age.”
What may also play a role in the benefits of these community programs are the social aspects. Says co-author and kinesiology PhD graduate Giulia Coletta, “A supportive social environment plays a vital role in keeping older adults engaged, connected, and motivated to return. When that environment is paired with an evidence-based program, it not only promotes safe and effective physical activity but also empowers older adults with the knowledge and confidence to exercise independently. This combination is key to fostering long-term health benefits.”
So if you’re a senior looking for meaningfully better fitness outcomes than your peers (the study states that 60% of seniors are sedentary), a community exercise program may be something to consider! Throughout Ontario, many such programs (though not all) are free of charge.
Improving your health and making friends in the process? Doesn’t sound like the worst way to spend a few hours a week.
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