Encouraging healthy aging through safe, accessible, community-based exercise programs
Led by: Korea Health Promotion Institute (KHEPI)
Partner: Local health centers, academic experts, and community fitness centers
Theme: Physical Activity
📌 Overview
The Senior Strength & Balance Program, developed by Korea Health Promotion Institute (KHEPI), is a community-based exercise program for older adults in Korea aimed at preventing falls and sarcopenia. The program follows the “3E” principle—Easy, Economical, and Effective— and provides safe, low-cost physical activity routines to improve strength, flexibility, endurance, and mobility. Conducted across 36 local health centers, the initiative brings together public, private, and academic partners to promote healthy aging through structured, evidence-based training.
📈 Impacts
Implemented in 36 health centers with 1,545 senior participants.
Physical fitness improvements (n=609):
- Left-hand grip strength: +4.0%
- Right-hand grip strength: +3.9%
- Lower limb strength (sit-to-stand): +17.6%
- Flexibility (sit-and-reach): +11.7%
- Cardiopulmonary endurance
(2-min walk): +10.3%
(6-min walk distance): +5.8%
- Balance (Timed Get-up-and-Go): –7.8%
- Coordination (Figure-8 walk): –6.4%
Participant satisfaction (out of 100, n=609):
- Overall satisfaction: 97.7
- Ease of program: 88.9
- Interest/Engagement: 96.1
- Health habit improvement: 93.2
- Willingness to continue: 96.2
- Recommendation intent: 95.9
💡 Why It Works
- Practical tools: Developed user-friendly manuals and instructional videos for implementation by local officials.
- Safety first: Includes demonstrations, safety guidance, and difficulty adjustment tips tailored to seniors.
- Collaboration model: Linked with community fitness centers for sustainable operation and expert oversight.
- Evidence-driven design: Built through task-sharing among experts to ensure structured and safe program delivery.
📘 Want the full story?
The complete case study — including implementation insights, partnership contributions, and lessons learned — is featured in the INHPF Physical Activity Report Card 2025.
Related Success Cases
Explore more physical activity initiatives from INHPF members:
- Health and Wellbeing Queensland – Walking, cycling, and community activation programs
- VicHealth’s This Girl Can – Victoria
Image credit: Korea Health Promotion Institute (KHEPI)
Source: Content adapted from KHEPI
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