The purpose of this study is to examine the relative and combined efficacy of a physical activity and health promotion program to help sedentary adults over age 70 maintain an independent life style.

The study recruited 273 participants from a community-based HMO for whom computerized health service utilization and cost data were already available, as well as cognitive, functional, and health status measures. The participants were randomly placed into one of four treatment groups: exercise, health promotion, combination exercise and health promotion, and routine medical care. Assessments for physical performance, emotional well-being, and physical and emotional health status were conducted at screening, baseline, after 3 months (post-treatment), and at 6, 12, and 18-month follow-up by interviewers blind to treatment assignment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 70 or older
• live independently
• less than 150 minutes regular exercise per week
• able to walk across a room without a person assisting
• English speaking
• planning to stay in local area for at least 6 months (duration of active study)

Exclusion Criteria:

• cancer
• heart attack
• stroke
• uncontrolled arrhythmia
• uncontrolled hypertension
• uncontrolled diabetes
• surgery during the past year
• ongoing mental health or psychiatric condition