Autonomy, Mobility & Independence
Supporting autonomy, mobility, and independence is essential for enhancing quality of life and promoting active aging. This involves implementing proven programs and initiatives designed to preserve and strengthen these capacities, such as the DuraGyms initiative, exercise parks specially designed for seniors, online exercise programs, and tailored nutritional recommendations.
DuraGym
DuraGym is an evidence-based exercise program designed to improve autonomy, mobility and independence for older adults. Led by kinesiologists and based on the validated Otago Exercise Program, DuraGym offers supervised, progressive training that targets strength, balance and functional mobility in a safe and welcoming environment.
Vivifrail
Implemented in various settings, from home to hospital environments, it is used by over 5,000 healthcare professionals and has already benefited more than 15,000 people worldwide. This program is based on an innovative approach that considers seniors’ health in terms of functional capacity rather than diseases.
This perspective makes it possible to assess and preserve autonomy, improve quality of life, and respond in a targeted way to the specific needs of aging populations.
If your institution is interested in implementing the Vivifrail program in its setting, we will be happy to provide the necessary materials. Please contact us for more information.
The Vivifrail Project is an international physical activity promotion program, recognized as a reference in the prevention of frailty and falls among older adults.
Exercise Parks
Exercise Parks are outdoor training spaces designed specifically for older adults. They promote autonomy, mobility and independence by offering safe, accessible equipment that targets strength, balance, flexibility and functional movement in a natural setting. These parks complement the DuraGym program by giving participants a place to stay active between cycles and to practice the movements they learn with our kinesiologists.
Schouela CeDurable is actively working on the implementation of Exercise Parks inspired by the ENJOY Seniors Exercise Park model in Australia, which has demonstrated strong benefits for balance, mobility and fall prevention. The equipment is low-impact, easy to use and adapted to a wide range of abilities, including those with reduced mobility or mild frailty. Clear visual instructions allow older adults to train independently or with the support of family members, community partners or trained professionals.
Exercise Parks also foster social connection. They provide an open and welcoming space where older adults can meet, walk, train and enjoy the outdoors together. This combination of physical activity and social interaction supports long-term adherence and reduces isolation.
Each supervised session conducted in these parks includes warm-ups, tailored exercises, gait and balance activities, and stretching, all delivered in a friendly group atmosphere. This outdoor approach blends physical, social and mental well-being, helping older adults build confidence, maintain independence and enhance overall quality of life.
As part of our broader healthy aging strategy, Exercise Parks extend the benefits of DuraGym beyond the clinic and bring meaningful movement into daily life.
Projects
Platform Coordinator
For any questions regarding this platform, please contact Hussein Samhat, PhD.
Hussein Samhat, MSc
Hussein Samhat is a kinesiologist and epidemiologist with training in psychology. He leads the development and delivery of exercise programs for older adults at the Schouela CeDurable Centre, including clinical and community DuraGyms and the implementation of Vivifrail, with a focus on functional mobility, fall prevention and safe progression. His work bridges clinical care, research and community-based exercise, and he contributes to studies on aging, musculoskeletal health and clinical exercise prescription.