The Impact of Community Exercise on Social Connectedness and Falls in Older Adults: Leveraging Exercise to Age in Place

The Impact of Expanding a Community-Based Exercise Program on Social Connectedness and Falls Prevention in Older Adults: Leveraging Exercise to Age in Place (LEAP)

The goal of this study is to reduce risk of falls and social isolation in older adults age 50+ through participation in community based health and exercise programs.

PRIMARY HYPOTHESES: In community-dwelling ambulatory older adults (age ≥50 years) participation in a community-based group program will improve the Duke Social Support Index (DSSI) score by four points measured after six to eight participation in the program when compared to the DSSI score prior to participation in the program. This increase will be sustained at 26 week follow-up.

SECONDARY HYPOTHESES: Participants in the community-based group exercise activities will have decreased fall risk when measured after six to eight weeks participation in the program when compared to pre-participation as based on responses to the fall risk questionnaire. Cedars-Sinai patients who participate in the community-based programs will have a decrease in health care utilization (as measured by physician visits, Emergency Department visits, and hospitalizations) in the 26 weeks after program enrollment compared to the 26 weeks prior to program enrollment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Must be cognitively stable and must be 50 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• <50 years
• Cognitive impairment