Characteristics of Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults: Results of a Multisite Survey

Purpose: Although increased participation in physi-cal activity by older adults is a major public health goal, little is known about the supply and use of physical activity programs in the United States. De-sign and Methods: Seven academic centers in di-verse geographic areas surveyed physical activity programs for older adults. Five sites conducted surveys by mail with telephone follow-up, and two administered surveys primarily by telephone. Re-ported program attendance rates were compared with local census data to assess unmet needs. Re-sults: Of the 2,110 targeted facilities, 77 % re-sponded. Aerobic programs were offered by 73%, flexibility by 47%, and strength training by 26%. Commercial gyms or YMCAs, senior centers, park or recreation centers, and senior-housing facilities of-fered 90 % of available programs. The 2000 Census enumerated 1,123,401 total older adults across the seven sites. Facilities reported 69,634 individuals as current weekly program participants, equaling 6 % of the sites ’ total older-adult population. This percentage varied from 3 % in Pittsburgh to 28 % in Colora-do. Implications: Based on conservative estimates of demand, the number of physical activity programs would have to increase substantially (by 78%) to meet the needs of older adults. The data also indicate the need to develop more strength-training programs and to engage a higher percentage of older adults in these programs. There is a clear need to stimulate demand for programs through health promotion