Long-term Evaluation of the "Get Fit for Active Living" Program

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Physical activity is crucial for older adults' health and well-being.
• Understanding adherence and its determinants is key for effective community-based programs.
• The Get Fit for Active Living (GFAL) pilot program aimed to promote physical activity in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine adherence to physical activity at six and 12 months.
• To assess functional changes and psychosocial determinants of physical activity.
• To identify factors influencing sustained physical activity in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study of 176 older adults in the GFAL pilot program.
• In-person assessments at six months (functional, psychosocial).
• Telephone interviews at 12 months (psychosocial, physical activity adherence).

Main Results:

• High retention rates: 95% at six months, 88% at 12 months.
• 12-month self-reported exercise adherence was 66%.
• Key adherence driver: maintaining health (45%); barriers: illness (38%), lack of motivation (32%).

Conclusions:

• Health maintenance is a strong motivator for physical activity in older adults.
• Illness and motivation are significant barriers to sustained exercise.
• GFAL findings offer a model for sustainable, community-based exercise interventions for seniors.