We all know that exercise is good for us, but it is often really hard to start or stick to an exercise program. Many reasons keep us from exercising—busy schedules, limited ability to travel, weather and even the sometimes boring nature of exercise routines. These problems are often especially hard on women in midlife, who often have demanding responsibilities at work and at home. One of the ways to overcome these barriers to exercise is to make it more convenient and more fun. Also, while exercise is likely to help with fitness, strength and possibly weight loss, exercise might also help with concentration and alertness.
The University of Pittsburgh Pepper Center is offering a research study of two types of exercise—brisk walking or dancing. This study is for women aged 50 to 65 who are not currently exercising and are at or above their recommended body weight. The study assesses exercise effects on fitness, strength, weight control, mental concentration as well as enjoyment. To be in the study, participants will first undergo health screening and, if eligible, will be randomized (like flipping a coin) to one type of exercise. Participants will be expected to come to the exercise program in Oakland twice a week for two weeks and then once a week for another several weeks. They will then be able to choose whether they wish to exercise on their own or at our exercise site. Researchers will evaluate the effects of the program at 12 and 24 weeks. All participants must be willing to have a brain scan at the beginning and after 12 weeks. Reimbursement is provided for participants’ time and transportation costs related to the scheduled assessments. For further information, contact Courtney at 412-692-2331.

Walking problems, such as walking slower and greater effort to walk, are common among older people. Some older people have similar complaints about thinking and describe thinking as seeming slower and sometimes requiring more effort. Exercise has been shown to improve walking ability and has been helpful in improving thinking, but the best exercise to enhance good walking and good thinking ability is not known. It is important in maintaining safety and daily life activities to know if some type of exercise can help walking while thinking.

(ARA)—There are plenty of reasons to rejoice about retirement—more time to spend with your family, the ability to travel more and the opportunity to pursue your true passions. And today’s retirees can also appreciate the fact that on average, people continue to outlive previous generations.

Most people enjoy retirement even more than they expect. A recent study by The Hartford and the MIT AgeLab confirmed that 64 percent of people less than 10 years away from retirement said they expected to feel happier in retirement. And when those who were already retired were surveyed, 77 percent said they were happier in retirement than they were when they were working.

As you may have noticed by the other research study descriptions in this section, improving walking and promoting independence are important to University of Pittsburgh researchers. Some researchers, like Jennifer Brach, PhD, PT, associate professor of physical therapy in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, are taking a community-based approach in developing new programs to improve walking in older adults.

The project “On the Move”, funded by the University of Pittsburgh Aging Institute, was developed by physical therapists with valuable input from older adults within the community. Researchers held several focus groups to obtain feedback from older adults and then modified the program accordingly.

“WHO ME?” an HIV/AIDS play at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, was sponsored by The Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, Educating Teens About HIV/AIDS and various other organizations. The play performed in 12 scenes, was written and directed by Min. Terry D. Fluker with the support of director Deborah Starling Pollard.

The play presented an array of talents, hip-hop artists, poetry, inspirational gospel, energetic dancers and performers from the community Ball Houses. They were asking the same question—“do you know your HIV status?” The play highlighted real-life personal stories of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. It was designed to empower those living with HIV/AIDS and address the shame, fear and stigma that surround the disease by exposing misconceptions using everyday life situations.

The goal was for everyone to know their HIV status. Get tested! Get involved! Get into treatment and care if you have HIV. Everyone has a role in preventing the spread of the disease. Above, is a scene performed by the Visionary Performing Arts Academy. (Photo by Rossano P. Stewart)