Translating evidence-based physical activity interventions for frail elders

The population shift to an older America has initiated a great deal of interest in the impact of evidence-based physical activity interventions on older adults. Physical activity for older adults has tremendous benefits and is recognized as one of the most powerful health interventions for improving seniors' ability to function and remain independent in the face of active health problems and yet the majority of all older adults remain largely sedentary. To date, few programs have been developed that apply these important research findings in physical activity to frail older adults living in the community. The purpose of this article is to review past and current trends addressing increasing physical activity in the frail elderly population at home. An exemplary model of integrating an evidence-based intervention into community-based care management programs is described. Barriers encountered when implementing evidence-based physical activity interventions with frail elderly at home and recommendations for future work in this area are discussed.