Lourdes C. Molina, MPH¹, Susan L. Hughes, DSW¹, and Rachel B. Seymour, MS². (1) Center for Research on Health and Aging, University of Illinois at Chicago, 850 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60607, 312-355-3173, lmolin2@uic.edu, (2) School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 850 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 400 (MC 275), Chicago, IL 60607

Increasing the number of older adults that meet the recommended guidelines of moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) 3 or more days per week for 30 or more minutes per session is currently a national health objective. The health benefits for older adults of participation in PA are known and have been documented to decrease the risk of developing certain chronic conditions and to increase their health and well-being. Despite these known health benefits, there are barriers to promoting PA among older adults. However, providing quality community-based PA programming specifically designed for older adults can do its part to motivate older adults to exercise, to get and keep people active, and to improve health and function. Many factors are involved in quality PA programming for older adults including components of the exercise regimen, accessibility, class format, quality of instructor, equipment, and facility space. As part of the National Council on the Aging (NCOA) Best Practice Competition for Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults, substantial information on the components of best practice programming was obtained via applications, telephone interviews, and site visits. Several of the components contributing to high quality programming will be discussed including specific class structure and set-up, instructor certifications, qualifications, and characteristics, and the importance of support from the providing organization. We will share specific examples from site visits to the ten best practice programs.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• List staffing and infrastructure characteristics necessary for high quality physical activity programming for older adults.
• Describe components of high quality physical activity programming for older adults that lead to improving health and well-being.

Keywords: Exercise, Evidence Based Practice

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.