March 5, 2025
Photo by Abbie Lankitus
When Dan and Marge Ball moved back to Missouri in late 2023, their son, Steve Ball, had a warm welcome in mind. A physical therapy faculty member with the University of Missouri’s College of Health Sciences and creator of the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy (SSSH) program, Steve knew exactly how he would help his parents thrive in their golden years: exercise.
“We came back, and Steve immediately said, ‘Alright, you’re getting in the class,’” Dan Ball said.
SSSH is an eight-week program designed to improve strength, flexibility and balance for older adults, ultimately helping them maintain independence. The classes are held twice a week and include exercises such as squats, bent-over rows, bicep curls and side shuffles. At the end of the eight weeks, participants are given a guide to continue their training at home.
Dan, 81, and Marge, 77, have embraced the program, saying the dedication has paid off.
“I can get out of a chair without using my hands now,” Dan Ball said. “I feel like I have better balance, and I feel safer overall.”
Family and fitness
When Dan and Marge Ball signed up for their latest Level 2 session, they were excited for another eight weeks of camaraderie and sweating alongside classmates they’ve grown to adore. They didn’t expect Zach Ball, an undergraduate student studying health sciences at Mizzou and their grandson, to be the one teaching their class.
Zach Ball — Steve Ball’s nephew — likewise had no clue he would be leading his grandparents’ group, but he couldn’t be happier about the arrangement.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “I enjoy our banter, even though at first, some of the participants didn’t realize we were related. Once they found out he’s my grandfather, they thought it was as funny as he does.”
Steve Ball developed Stay Strong, Stay Healthy two decades ago in response to the growing need for strength training programs for older adults. Since its inception in 2005, the program has reached more than 20,000 participants of varying age levels.
The program benefits more than just the participants, though. Mizzou student instructors gain valuable leadership and interpersonal skills.
“Most undergrads today are nervous about public speaking,” Steve Ball said. “This program gives them the confidence to lead a group and build connections.”
Dan and Marge Ball are living proof of the successes of the program. Dan’s strength has improved so much that he’s doubled his dumbbell weight. Marge said she feels energized after every class in addition to gaining a network of local friends.
For the Ball family, the program is more than a fitness class. It has offered them opportunities to reconnect while supporting one another’s well-being.
Read more from the College of Health Sciences
