National campaigns and you: a perfect match - Editorial - Active for Life

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 2002 by Meg

Every now and then, the government gets upset that we aren't exercising enough. The next thing to expect is a national campaign. Over the years, it seems as though I've announced several campaigns, the latest of which is sponsored by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and AARP, with the intent of increasing the physical activity levels for the 50-plus population.

There are escalating health consequences associated with inactivity among older individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), four out of ten Americans, ages 45 to 64, are sedentary--increasing to six out of ten individuals for those ages 75 and older. The launch of Active for Life is based on substantial evidence indicating regular exercise reduces the risk of premature death, high blood pressure, colon cancer and diabetes.

Active for Life will be pilot tested next year in Richmond, Virginia, and Madison, Wisconsin, with major advertising, media, advocacy and community-based interventions. This program seeks to increase the number of 50-plus individuals who engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. The campaign is being supported by a $4.3 million grant from RWJF and matched by $2.5 million from AARP.

"Approximately 80 million people will turn 50 in the next decade. We will work through our 35 million member network to promote increased physical activity as one of the most important things Americans 50-plus can do to improve their health," says Bill Novelli, AARP's chief executive officer.

Older adults who engage in regular physical activity tend to have improved cardiovascular health, better balance and increased joint mobility. Yet, despite evidence indicating physical activity contributes to a more active and independent life, people 50 years old and older are becoming increasingly inactive.

The Active for Life program is designed to help this inactive population. AARP conducted a nationwide survey of 2,000 people, ages 50 and older, and found that while 63 percent say exercise is the best action for their health, the majority of respondents want information and support to help them get started. This is where certified fitness instructors come in handy! Nearly three-fourths (74 percent) of older adults are interested in learning how to exercise safely, 71 percent want help staying motivated and 66 percent are interested in learning how to set realistic fitness goals.

Ambitious fitness instructors and club managers have an opportunity to participate in the Active for Life program, which engages with organizations representing city health departments, recreation, parks, fitness centers, faith-based groups and non-profit organizations as well as representatives from local businesses. In addition, there may be some funding for enterprising instructors working with community groups.

RWJF is funding an $8.7 million, four-year initiative in which up to eight grants will be awarded to community institutions to test the effectiveness of promising interventions promoting exercise among at risk mid-life and older individuals. The Active for Life national office is based at the Texas A&M University Health Science Center's School of Rural Public Health. For more information, visit www.activeforlife.info.

Love,

Mes