Building a foundation for systems change: increasing access to physical activity programs for older adults

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Physical inactivity significantly impacts older adults, exceeding the 25% rate in the general U.S. adult population.
• Organizational change theory provides a framework for addressing systemic gaps in senior health programming.
• Existing programs face challenges in accessibility and comprehensiveness for the aging population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the capacity, accessibility, and barriers of physical activity programs for older adults.
• To identify strategies for expanding senior physical activity programming within a state health department context.
• To inform infrastructure development for sustained physical activity behavior change in older adults.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 160 provider agencies in New Jersey offering physical activity programs.
• Data collection focused on program capacity, accessibility features (e.g., for disabilities, in-home), and identified provider-reported barriers.
• Analysis involved evaluating current service provision and future expansion desires among agencies.

Main Results:

• 160 agencies served nearly 184,000 individuals annually, yet less than half offered programs for older adults with disabilities.
• Only 44% of agencies provided in-home physical activity programs, limiting accessibility for some seniors.
• 82% of providers expressed a desire to expand services but faced significant barriers including lack of trained staff, space, funding, and transportation.

Conclusions:

• Sustaining physical activity in older adults necessitates robust infrastructure ensuring access to varied activities.
• Addressing barriers such as instructor training, facility limitations, funding, and transportation is crucial for program expansion.
• Developing targeted strategies can enhance the reach and impact of physical activity initiatives for seniors.