Older adults in Oregon face several health challenges, including chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and hypertension. Many older adults have mobility challenges due to muscle weakness, joint pain and low bone mass. These issues can lead to falls and injuries. Less than 15% of U.S. adults over age 65 are getting the recommended amount of aerobic and muscle strengthening physical activity for optimal health.
Between 2023 and 2024, participation in StrongPeople increased by 30% statewide.
The StrongPeople Program, which has been offered in Oregon by the Oregon State University Extension Service for nearly 20 years, helps older adults improve their physical and mental health through strength training, social interaction and community support, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and enhancing overall well-being.
Developed at Tufts University in 2003, StrongPeople focuses on creating, evaluating and sustaining community-based nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention programs. The program aims to build a diverse community of fit, strong and healthy individuals who can inspire change in their families and communities.
Regular StrongPeople participants experience increased muscle mass and strength, improved bone density, and better cardiovascular health, while helping them lower their risk of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, depression and obesity. StrongPeople provides opportunities for social interaction, which can help reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall well-being.
Over the last two years, Kraemer, an associate professor of practice in the OSU College of Health, has worked to increase the number of trained leaders and participants in the program. Kraemer resumed in-person trainings in 2022 and started offering hybrid trainings in 2024 after redesigning the instruction and getting feedback. In 2024, Kraemer trained and certified 40 new leaders, a record number in a single year.
Between 2023 and 2024, participation in StrongPeople increased by 30% statewide. In 2024, there were 294 regular participants across 17 programs in Oregon, who collectively participated in 35,400 strength training sessions.
StrongPeople classes are held in six Oregon counties: Hood River, Jackson, Lake, Malheur, Tillamook and Wasco. Classes are also held in Klickitat County in Washington. New programs are expected to launch in additional counties in 2025.
In addition to increasing participation, Kraemer also developed a new quarterly leader meeting format for statewide leaders to network, learn from guest speakers and discuss program challenges. In 2024, four quarterly meetings were held with about 20 leaders attending each. In response to surveys, 95% of respondents said the meetings met their goals of providing updates, resources and support, while also serving as a forum for questions and learning about new topics.
By promoting a culture of health, OSU Extension’s StrongPeople program empowers individuals to become agents of change in their communities.