From the Field
Four Communities Implement Active Aging Programs
Communities throughout the United States are mobilizing to promote walking
and biking across the lifespan. Efforts include community design changes,
health education, walking groups, and media campaigns. This
report, intended for program planners, describes four communities’ efforts
to promote active aging and suggests tips for success.
As the “baby boom” generation ages, the number of Americans
65 years and older will double from 35 million to 70 million by the year
2030. Regular, moderate physical activity can extend the lifespan and prevent
or slow the development of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and
diabetes, as well as decrease the likelihood of falls,arthritis pain,
and depression.1,2
Creating Communities for Active Aging
Creating Comuunities for Active
Aging helps
communities develop strategic plans to promote active aging. Topics include:
involving
stakeholders;
assessing barriers and opportunities to physical
activity; and
developing strategies for increasing the number of older adult
walkers and cyclists.
Active aging strategies range from public policy
changes, to improved community design, to information and education
approaches.
A second report in the Active Aging series is Program
Evaluation: Measuring the Value of Active Aging. This guide offers a more in-depth
focus on program evaluation to help planners and managers ascertain
which components of their programs function well and which do not.
All reports are published by Partnership for Prevention in collaboration
with the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration. They are available at www.prevent.org/activeaging.htm.
Only one in three older adults engage in regular physical activity.3 In
fact, older adults are the least likely of all age groups to participate
in regular exercise (see Figure 1). 
Older adults should walk briskly for at least 30 minutes on most days
and do stretching and strengthening exercises once or twice weekly. While
many forms of activity are valuable, seniors find walking and biking
easy and enjoyable.4 Of adults age 50-79 years who exercise,
75 percent walk ten or more minutes at a time on a regular basis, and
15 percent bike consistently.5
Main Themes
Lessons learned from the four highlighted communities include:
- Multiple barriers deter physical activity. They range from personal
challenges (e.g., physical disability or lack of time) to barriers in
the community at large (e.g., lack of sidewalks or social norms that
favor sedentary activities). To overcome barriers, communities need multi-faceted
programs that build upon existing resources – such as skilled volunteers,
civic groups, or parks.
- Communities should adapt research-based approaches
to their unique needs, including model programs from other communities.
To ensure the modified programs are working as intended, communities
should evaluate effectiveness.
- Programs are most effective when multiple sectors of
the community – such
as health care, worksites, media, and schools – emphasize physical
activity.
- Program managers should consider multi-generational approaches. Becoming active at any age confers considerable benefits, especially in senior years. A multi-generational approach recognizes that young people who exercise are more likely to do so as adults, avoiding or deferring later health problems.
Barriers to Physical Activity
The reasons why most older adults are under-active are varied, but
often involve a complex combination of physical, social, and personal
factors.
- Social norms: Inactive lifestyles have become typical in our
society, or a “social norm.” In a recent survey, nearly
40 percent of adults reported being entirely sedentary during their
leisure time.6
- Personal (i.e., individual or internal) factors: Older
adults may feel out of shape, have physical disabilities, or may not
want to walk alone.
- Environmental (i.e., external) factors: While personal
barriers contribute to low physical activity levels, research shows
that environmental factors have a remarkable effect on activity levels.7,
8, 9, 10, 11 People are more likely to integrate physical activity
into everyday life by walking or biking (instead of driving) when homes
and services are in close proximity. However, many people reside in suburbs
that lack sidewalks or walking paths.
- Social interaction: People are more likely to be active if they are with other people.
The most significant and enduring improvements in physical activity levels result from influencing physical, social, and personal factors at multiple levels. Case studies from four diverse communities illustrate this fundamental principle. They provide concrete examples that communities can successfully encourage older adults to be more active. The case studies are:
- Nashville, Tennessee:
Promoting Physical Activity While “Building” the
Community
(click here)
- Sacramento, California: Walking Together
for Health (click here)
- Wheeling, West Virginia: “Isn’t It
About Time You Started Walking?” (click
here)
- Largo, Florida: Seniors and Youth Working Toward a Healthier Community (click here)