Professor designs fitness program for Friendship Village residents

Residents in their 70s, 80s or 90s who live at Friendship Village of Columbus are benefiting from a comprehensive health, physical activity and exercise program created by Steven T. Devor, assistant professor of sport and exercise science at The Ohio State University.

Devor said the program’s purpose is to slow residents’ loss of muscle mass, increase functional capacity, improve their ability to perform daily living activities, and reduce the incidence of falls. Through regular resistance training and aerobic workouts, Devor said, the exercise program helps residents to remain healthier and, consequently, maintain their independence.

In addition to chair aerobics, held three times a week, the structured exercise program offers low-impact aerobics and resistance training.

Media are invited to interview Devor and Friendship Village residents at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday (5/6) at Friendship Village of Columbus, 5800 Forrest Hills Blvd.

WHAT: A comprehensive health, physical activity and exercise program created by Steven T. Devor, assistant professor of sport and exercise science at The Ohio State University.

WHEN: 2:30 p.m. Tuesday (5/6)

WHERE: Friendship Village of Columbus, 5800 Forrest Hills Blvd.

WHY: The program is designed to maintain residents’ independence through establishing a regular exercise program that includes cardiovascular and strength training.