Story by Ryan Gauthier, rjgauthier@health.missouri.edu

When Dan and Marge Ball moved back to Missouri in late 2023, it was a homecoming decades in the making. Originally from Missouri, the couple had spent years living in South Carolina while Dan worked as the president of Lander University. Ultimately, family drew them back to Missouri.

“Before we got too decrepit, we figured we’d come back,” Dan joked.

Their son, Steve Ball, had more than a warm welcome in mind. A physical therapy faculty member with the University of Missouri’s College of Health Sciences and creator of the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy (SSSH) program, Steve knew exactly how he would help his parents thrive in their golden years: exercise.

“We came back, and Steve immediately said, ‘Alright, you’re getting in the class,’” Dan said.

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is an eight-week program designed to improve strength, flexibility and balance for older adults, ultimately helping them maintain independence. The classes are held twice a week and include exercises like squats, bent-over rows, bicep curls and side shuffles. At the end of the eight weeks, participants are given a guide to continue their training at home.

Dan, 81, and Marge, 77, have embraced the program, progressing through Level 1 twice before advancing to Level 2. To hear them talk about it, that dedication has paid off.

“I can get out of a chair without using my hands now,” Dan said. “I feel like I have better balance, and I feel safer overall.”

Family and fitness

When Dan and Marge signed up for their latest Level 2 session, they were excited for another eight weeks of camaraderie and sweating alongside classmates they’ve grown to adore. They didn’t expect Zach Ball, a Health Sciences undergraduate at Mizzou and their grandson, to be the one teaching their class.

Zach likewise had no clue he would be leading his grandparents’ group, but he couldn’t be happier about the arrangement.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Zach said. “I enjoy our banter, even though at first, some of the participants didn’t realize we were related. Once they found out he’s my grandfather, they thought it was as funny as he does.”

John Travis, 92, has participated in the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program several times. Travis admits he wasn’t sure what to expect his first time in the class. What he found was an excellent experience that benefited him physically as well as socially.

“It’s the human contact and conviviality,” he said. “It’s not like going to a gym by yourself, where you feel like you’re being judged. Here, it’s refreshing and supportive.”

John has noticed significant changes in himself since joining the program. He said his short-term memory loss has become far less noticeable thanks to the social interactions and the physical activity, encouraging anyone considering Stay Strong, Stay Healthy to give it a try.

“Don’t be ashamed of being old,” Travis said. “Don’t worry about how you look in workout clothes. Just go and meet people. This program has reminded me that people are still good. That’s a beautiful realization at this stage of my life.”

Stronger together

Steve developed Stay Strong, Stay Healthy two decades ago in response to the growing need for strength training programs for older adults. Since its inception in 2005, the program has reached more than 20,000 participants of varying age levels.

“We’ve even had participants over 100 years old,” he said.

The program benefits more than just the participants, though. Mizzou student instructors like Zach gain valuable leadership and interpersonal skills.

“Most undergrads today are nervous about public speaking,” Steve said. “This program gives them the confidence to lead a group and build connections.”

Dan and Marge are living proof of the successes of the program. Dan’s strength has improved so much that he’s doubled his dumbbell weight. Marge said she feels energized after every class in addition to gaining a network of local friends.

For the Ball family, the program is more than a fitness class. It has offered them opportunities to reconnect while supporting one another’s well-being.

“It’s been a rewarding experience — not just for them, but for me as well,” Zach said. “I’m grateful to be a part of their journey.”