Breaking the Cycle: Enhancing Cardiovascular Health in the Elderly Through Group Exercise

The global increase in aging populations underscores the urgency of addressing cardio-kidney metabolic health indicators, particularly among sedentary elderly individuals. This study investigates the impact of an 8-month structured group exercise program on cardiovascular health indicators among 320 women aged 60 and older living independently in Rijeka. Participants engaged in biweekly sessions designed to improve mobility, balance, and strength. Key metrics, including blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and hand grip strength, were measured before and after the intervention. Results revealed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (mean -3.4 mmHg) and pulse pressure among hypertensive participants, highlighting improved cardiovascular function. BP control significantly improved (7.2%), and 19% of untreated hypertensive subjects at the start become normotensive at the end of follow-up. Although BMI changes were minimal, WHtR improvements indicated reductions in central obesity and muscle fat redistribution. Hand grip strength increased significantly on both arms, correlating with physical capacity. The results underline the benefits of group training for improving health even in the elderly population through an organized exercise program. While these preliminary results demonstrate promising health improvements, further research with longer follow-up and inclusion of diverse participant groups is recommended to validate these outcomes and refine intervention strategies.