As life expectancy continues to rise across the globe, one key challenge remains = how to maintain independence and well-being as we age.
In Brunei, the ReST (Resistance, Strength, and Balance Training) programme is leading the charge in addressing one of the most pressing concerns of ageing: sarcopenia.
This condition, characterised by the gradual loss of muscle mass, affects millions of older adults worldwide, increasing their risk of falls and compromising their quality of life.
The World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) lists falls as the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths, claiming approximately 684,000 lives annually.
Adults over the age of 60 are particularly vulnerable, with over 37.3 million severe falls reported each year requiring medical attention. In Brunei, falls rank among the top 10 causes of death for older adults, highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures.
The ReST programme addresses this issue head-on, offering older adults a culturally relevant and effective solution to combat sarcopenia and enhance their overall strength and balance.
COMBINING TRADITION WITH INNOVATION
One of the standout features of the programme is its innovative approach to exercise. Recognising that encouraging regular physical activity in older adults can be a challenge, the programme integrates movements inspired by Muslim prayer into its training regimen.
This cultural relevance not only makes the exercises more familiar but also ensures that participants are more likely to engage with the programme.
Designed for individuals aged 60 and above, the ReST Programme spans 12 weeks and is divided into three progressive phases, gradually increasing in difficulty to improve strength, balance, and coordination.
Incorporating movements such as ‘Good Mornings’, which mimic the rukuk position in prayer, the programme enhances muscle strength while fostering a sense of community. By connecting exercise with familiar prayer practices, ReST creates an environment where older adults feel supported and encouraged to participate, reducing isolation and promoting social interaction.
BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY
The ReST programme isn’t just about physical health; it’s about building a sustainable community of support.
Approximately 100 participants from the Wargamas Association, Brunei-Muara Senior Citizens Activity Centre, and Tutong Senior Citizens Activity Centre have taken part in the initiative. To ensure the programme’s long-term success, pillars within these communities have been identified as ambassadors.
These individuals will lead peer-led sessions, ensuring the continuation of the programme even after the initial 12 weeks, with support from the research team.
The programme’s success has been rigorously evaluated through qualitative focus group discussions and quantitative assessments of muscle strength and function at various stages.
The results have been overwhelmingly positive.
Participants have reported improvements in mobility, strength, balance, and overall cognitive ability. Many have noted a newfound ability to perform daily activities with ease, from their prayer routines to household tasks. Chronic pain, which many participants had struggled with, has also significantly reduced, leading to a marked improvement in overall health and well-being.
CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS
On October 5, in conjunction with the International Day of Older Persons, the programme held its closing ceremony at the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (PAPRSB IHS, UBD). The event was a celebration of the programme’s achievements and the progress made by its participants.
Lead researcher Dr Sharimawati binti Haji Sharbini in her remarks, highlighting the programme’s positive impact on the community.
Certificates were presented by guest of honour PAPRSB IHS, UBD Dean Professor Dr Kenneth Kok Yuh Yen, alongside Dr Chia Wei Tan, representing the Ministry of Health (MoH), and Director of the Centre for Advanced Research (CaRE) Dr Siti Mazidah Haji Mohamad.
The ceremony was a demonstration to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from the participants themselves to the collaborating organisations, including the MoH and Visual Pro Enterprise. Their collective efforts have helped to make the ReST Programme a resounding success, offering older adults in Brunei a path to improved strength, balance, and independence.
THE ROAD AHEAD
As the ReST Programme moves forward, the focus will remain on fostering community involvement and ensuring the sustainability of the initiative.
Plans are underway to develop an easy-to-follow exercise manual, which will allow participants to continue their training at home.
Future assessments of muscle strength will enable the programme to be further tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults, ensuring that the exercises remain effective and accessible. – Courtesy of ReST programme
