Exercise Programs That Promote Senior Fitness

from the National Council on Aging

Regular exercise can help older adults stay independent and prevent many health problems that come with age. NCOA helps community organizations offer fun and proven programs that keep seniors moving.

The CDC Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends two types of physical activity each week to improve health—aerobic and muscle-strengthening. Experts recommend that older adults engage in:

• Moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes five days a week.
• Muscle-strengthening activities for two or more days a week that work all major muscle groups.

Physical activity programs are supported by a variety of federal funding sources, including the Administration for Community Living discretionary grant funding, Older Americans Act Title III-D funding, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant funding. Programs with an asterisk (*) meet the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance’s criteria for Arthritis-Appropriate Evidence-Based Interventions (AAEBIs). AAEBIs are programs that have been shown to improve arthritis symptoms, such as pain or limitations in function.  AAEBIs can be implemented with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding. Note: Your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan may subsidize gym membership. Check your benefits.

• Active Living Every Day (ALED)*
• AEA Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program*
• AEA Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program*
• Bingocize®
• Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less
• EnhanceFitness *(formerly Lifetime Fitness Program)
• Fit and Strong!*
• Geri-Fit®
• Healthy Moves for Aging Well
• On the Move (OTM)
• Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)*
• Tai Chi for Arthritis for Falls Prevention*
• Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance®*
• The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease*

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