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A seven step approach to starting an exercise program for older adults
1University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore 21201, USA. bresnick@umaryland.edu
Patient Education and Counseling
|October 21, 2000
Summary
A seven-step program successfully encouraged regular exercise in older adults, improving health and well-being. This approach helps sedentary individuals initiate and maintain physical activity routines.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Regular aerobic exercise offers significant health benefits, including disease prevention and improved well-being.
- A substantial percentage of sedentary adults discontinue exercise programs within six months.
- Adherence to exercise is crucial for realizing long-term health improvements in older populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a structured, seven-step intervention to promote exercise initiation and adherence among older adults.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) setting.
Main Methods:
- A seven-step approach was designed: education, pre-screening, goal setting, exercise exposure, role models, verbal encouragement, and reinforcement/rewards.
- The program was implemented in a CCRC with 212 residents.
- Exercise adherence was monitored post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Following the intervention, 40 out of 212 residents (19%) engaged in regular exercise.
- The seven-step approach demonstrated a positive impact on exercise initiation and adherence in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- A structured, multi-component intervention can effectively increase regular exercise participation among older adults in a CCRC.
- This approach addresses key barriers to exercise adherence, promoting a healthier lifestyle in aging populations.