A pilot study of Language-enriched Exercise Plus Socialization (LEEPS) for older adults

Older adults often experience declines in memory and communication, which can make it difficult for them to remain socially active and independent. Combining mentally stimulating activities with physical exercise may help support healthy brain aging to slow or prevent this decline. This study will test a program called Language-Enriched Exercise Plus Socialization (LEEPS), which pairs youth volunteers with older adults to guide them through physical exercise and language-based activities. In this pilot study, volunteers and older adults will meet regularly over several weeks at a local retirement community. The goal is to determine whether this youth-led program is practical and beneficial, and whether it could be expanded to support healthy aging in communities across Ontario.