""You're the answer to my prayer," the 73-year-old tells Megan Cormack, the newly hired exercise physiologist who is supervising and directing his muscle work. Miles, his left side paralyzed since a stroke years ago, would love to get stronger and be able to walk. "

"But this isn't physician-ordered rehab or physical therapy, which are typically short-term efforts to address a specific injury or problem."

"This new strength-training program � offered both to nursing home residents at The Jewish Home and to healthier seniors at the affiliated The Summit at Brighton independent apartments and Wolk Manor enriched housing � is intended for quality of life. Cormack works as a personal trainer with residents who are interested and medically cleared for this individualized program, using equipment such as a triceps press, leg press, seated stair-step machine and a recumbent exercise bicycle. "

"It's not surprising to find a pool or fitness equipment at independent living facilities, since they are for seniors who are independent. But the Jewish Home is a nursing home, which by definition serves people who need 24-hour skilled nursing care. "

"Personal training fits the trend at nursing homes to recognize that they are people's home, where the focus should be living life to the fullest. But pumping iron still isn't common at nursing homes. Some long-term residents of Monroe Community Hospital have used its on-site Center for Lifetime Wellness, a fitness center that's scheduled to close July 31. "

"Research finds that nursing home residents and frail elders aren't too old for weight training and can benefit significantly. "

""It is very safe and remarkably effective," says William J. Evans, a professor of geriatrics at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences who has done such research. "We have been able to show that people as old as 100 years can triple their strength, increase their activity levels and decrease their risk of falling down through resistance exercise." People in wheelchairs can gain upper-body strength and become better able to transfer in and out of the wheelchair, gaining independence. "

"Even people who've been inactive throughout their lives can improve their abilities and health by starting to lift weights in their 80s or 90s. Some seniors may gain the ability to walk up stairs better, carry shopping bags or lift a grandchild. "

"Studies have not found that exercise causes heart attacks or other problems. In fact, exercise can help the heart, boost the brain and lower resting blood pressure. Exercise can decrease insulin resistance, reduce arthritis pain and improve memory. "

""There's lots of good reasons to do this," says Dr. Bernard Shore, vice president of medical services at the Jewish Home."

"So if strength training is so helpful, why aren't all nursing homes offering it? The two obstacles are cost and attitude. "

"Jewish Senior Life, parent organization of the Jewish Home of Rochester, The Summit at Brighton and Wolk Manor, isn't charging residents or staff to use the new fitness rooms. The Jewish Home Foundation, which had $44 million in liquid assets at end of 2006, is covering the first-year costs of $100,000 for the equipment and staffing. Officials hope to find a donor to endow the program. "

"Jewish Senior Life is among more than 100 senior care organizations across the country that
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