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Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy participants

Boost your independence with strength training

Join other older adults working to build fitness, balance and flexibility.

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Stay Strong, Stay Healthy participant performing weight exercise

It’s never too late to start exercising

Strength training will help increase your bone density and muscle mass.

Benefits of strength training
Performing Stay Strong, Stay Healthy chair exercises

Make new health-conscious friends

Learn exercises and nutrition tips with other older adults.

Learn about research into SSSH health benefits

Join us to build the strength you need to enjoy good health as you age. Stay Strong, Stay Healthy (SSSH) is an eight-week exercise program that incorporates the latest research to help you develop the fitness, flexibility and balance that will enable you to live independently longer.

In hourlong courses held twice a week, trained instructors will lead you through a warmup, easy-to-learn strength exercises and a cool-down. SSSH exercises are safe and effective, and we’ll provide weights for your use on-site. No need to wear special clothes — just comfortable, loose-fitting pants and shirt, along with sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes. You’ll find courses in familiar, nearby venues, such as senior centers or church halls.

After you’ve completed the course, we’ll provide you with a guide you can use to continue strength training in the comfort of your home.

Resources

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MU ISIP Research Poster - Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program (PDF)

Research poster created by interns in 2019 MU Integrated STEM Internship Program (ISIP): "The impact of repeated participation in the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy exercise program to improve physical function in older adults"

MU programs help prevent older adults from falling

Mizzou plans to expand its fall prevention programs — Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, A Matter of Balance and Tai Chi for Arthritis Prevention — to help thousands of older adults decrease their fear of falling, build muscle and increase bone density.

National Council on Aging

NCOA leads the National Falls Prevention Resource Center, which supports awareness and educational efforts about falls and promotes evidence-based fall prevention programs and strategies across the nation.

New study emphasizes importance of strength training for older adults — KRCG television station

A new study from the University of Missouri proves working out isn’t just for young people. In fact, strength training can have huge benefits for older adults and even reduce the risk of falls.

Show Me Falls Free Missouri Coalition

Provides list of evidence-based programs designed to lower the risk of chronic disease and help prevent falls.

Want a healthy independent lifestyle? There’s a class for that - Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

Story from Show Me Mizzou about MU research study on the impact of Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, an 8-week training program that promotes healthy lifestyle for seniors.

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