Physical activity intervention for older adults with intellectual disability: report on a pilot project

A 12-week pilot project on physical activity was introduced in a day habilitation setting to a group of 12 older adults with intellectual disability and a variety of physical and behavioral conditions. Our purpose was to determine whether (a) this intervention would positively impact physical function in this population, (b) consumers would choose to participate in physical activity sessions, and (c) day habilitation staff could sustain this program beyond the intervention period. Findings indicate that 92% of participants experienced improvement in at least one domain of physical function, physical activity sessions remained a popular activity choice for consumers, and many participants sustained functional gains 1 year after habilitation staff assumed responsibility for sessions.