Characteristics of physical activity programs for older adults: results of a multisite survey.
OBJECTIVE
Although increased participation in physical activity by older adults is a major public health goal, little is known about the supply and use of physical activity programs in the United States.


METHODS
Seven academic centers in diverse geographic areas surveyed physical activity programs for older adults. Five sites conducted surveys by mail with telephone follow-up, and two administered surveys primarily by telephone. Reported program attendance rates were compared with local census data to assess unmet needs.


RESULTS
Of the 2,110 targeted facilities, 77% responded. Aerobic programs were offered by 73%, flexibility by 47%, and strength training by 26%. Commercial gyms or YMCAs, senior centers, park or recreation centers, and senior-housing facilities offered 90% of available programs. The 2000 Census enumerated 1,123,401 total older adults across the seven sites. Facilities reported 69,634 individuals as current weekly program participants, equaling 6% of the sites' total older-adult population. This percentage varied from 3% in Pittsburgh to 28% in Colorado.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on conservative estimates of demand, the number of physical activity programs would have to increase substantially (by 78%) to meet the needs of older adults. The data also indicate the need to develop more strength-training programs and to engage a higher percentage of older adults in these programs. There is a clear need to stimulate demand for programs through health promotion.
Hughes
Susan L
SL
Center for Research on Health and Aging, University of Illinois at Chicago, 60608, USA. shughes@uic.edu
Williams
Barbara
B
Molina
Lourdes C
LC
Bayles
Constance
C
Bryant
Lucinda L
LL
Harris
Jeffrey R
JR
Hunter
Rebecca
R
Ivey
Susan
S
Watkins
Ken
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise; D020446:Fitness Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000379:methods*; D006293:Health Promotion; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D014481:United States