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The scientific literature highlights the necessity of implementing appropriate exercise programs in nursing homes to overcome the barriers to physical activity, and avoid prolonged periods of sedentary (e.g. sitting) and autonomy decline among residents. Growing evidence indicates that exergaming approaches for physical activity promotion, such as interactive video games, lead to increased enjoyment and motivation in addition to positive cognitive and physical outcomes, while being cost effective (1). The Jintronix Rehabilitation System®(JRS), a new home-based exercise technology, that has a unique ability to adapt to individuals’ limitations (i.e. range of motion, speed, intensity, etc.), and increasing difficulty of games as well as automated reminders and feedback can provide users with an increased sense of control and self-efficacy, which is something that other systems lack (2). Previous studies have demonstrated that the JRS is feasible, acceptable and safe in various population such as community-living older adults who sustained a minor injury (3) or pre-disabled older adults without dementia or cognitive impairment (4). Given its potential, we explored the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of the JRS on physical performance in nursing home residents both with and without MCI.

Background:Social isolation is a significant problem for frail older adults and the determinants ofsocial engagement are poorly understood. Objectives:This study explored the social engagement of frail eldersto identify personal attributes associated with social engagement. Design, Setting and Participants:A cross-sectional sample of seventy-three people receiving home-based care in one town on the South Island of NewZealand (mean age 82 (7.2) yrs, n=51 Females, 21 Males). Measurements:Face-to-face semi-structuredinterviews and questionnaires. Functional independence was measured using Nottingham Extended Activities ofDaily Living (EADL), self-efficacy by General Self Efficacy Scale, and 2 open-ended questions were piloted onsocial activities and helping others. Results:Regression models identified two statistically associatedcomponents of social engagement: social activities and civic involvement. Contributions to families andcommunity organizations and exercise were important social activities. Personal attributes included perceivedfunctional independence and self-efficacy. Conclusions:In frail older adults, a measurement of socialengagement should address activities older adults identify as important, including exercise. Independence, self -efficacy, and social engagement may interact in reinforcing cycles of empowerment and could play a role indeveloping interventions to retain and maintain function in frail older adults.