Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program & "10 Keys" to Healthy Aging--Prevention Research Center

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program & "10 Keys" to Healthy Aging

Older adults are at high risk for loss of independence because of age-related chronic health conditions. Of these chronic conditions, arthritis accounts for the largest proportion of the disability in the community. The investigators propose to target older adults who have self-reported arthritis or joint pain for dissemination of a disability prevention program. The program will be a collaborative effort of the Arthritis Foundation, the investigators Prevention Research Center staff and other key partners in the community. The project will develop information needed to provide guidance for implementation of the investigators intervention by other agencies and organizations. As a major thrust of the investigators CDC Prevention Research Center, the investigators have developed a comprehensive program focused on preventing disease and disability in older adults: the "10 Keys to Healthy Aging". Each of the 10 Keys disseminates proven approaches and current recommendations for prevention in older adults, focusing on age 65+ but also addressing age 50-65 years. The overall objective is to determine if an integrated evidence based exercise intervention (AFEP) combined with health education on preventive practices for older adults ("10 Keys") is more effective for improving mobility and risk factors for mobility disability and use of preventive services compared to exercise alone (AFEP). The investigators will also propose to evaluate the impact of geographic location on outcomes and overall sustainability of the program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 50+ years old
• Attends at last one exercise class in a 10 week program

Exclusion Criteria:

• On oxygen
• Hospitalized for cardiac event in past 6 months (at least 1 overnight)
• Had major surgery in past 6 months