“Chokin-Undo” Muscle-Saving Exercize Program
Summary
Chokin-Undo, muscle-saving exercise program, is a long-term care prevention project aimed at preventing muscle loss among older people and establishing exercise habits. Local resident groups organize exercise classes and instructors dispatched by the town provide guidance on the exercises and conduct muscle thickness measurements twice a year. The classes also promote community interaction. Participants record their exercises both in class and at home in a “Chokin Tsucho” (muscle savings passbook). Points are awarded based on their recorded exercises and can be exchanged for gift certificates.
This initiative has the following key features:
1.Easy-to-Do Exercise Program
No equipment is required for the exercise program, and DVDs and CDs are distributed to each group, allowing residents to hold classes on their own. Individuals can also practice the exercises at home by themselves.
2.Visualization of Exercise Benefits
The effects and amount of exercise are made visible through muscle thickness measurements conducted twice a year and records kept in a “muscle savings passbook.”
3.Community-Led Implementation
As the classes function as community gathering spaces, they also motivate residents to participate.
This initiative shows various effects. For example, approximately 80% of participants who have continued for more than one year show an increasing trend in muscle strength, and residents become acquainted with one another through the exercise classes.
Key facts
Main target group: Older people in general
Sector(s): Health
Desired outcome for older people:
Build and maintain relationships