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| Ranking |
Evidence-Based Practice |
| Description |
EnhanceFitness (formerly Lifetime Fitness Program) is a multi-component group exercise program designed for community-based organizations. Scientific evidence shows that regular physical activity can bring dramatic health benefits to people of all ages. Physical activity among seniors can extend years of active independent life, reduce disability, and improve the quality of life for older persons. The EnhanceFitness program consists of one-hour classes, three times a week. The classes are conducted by a trained instructor and emphasize moderate intensity aerobic conditioning, strength training, flexibility, and balance exercises. |
| Goal / Mission |
The goal of the EnhanceFitness Program is to encourage seniors to engage in regular physical activity to improve their health and well-being. |
| Results / Accomplishments |
Researchers at the University of Washington Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) first designed and piloted the program as part of a community study at Northshore Senior Center in Seattle. The response from participants was immediate, and overwhelmingly positive. Not only were the seniors excited about participating, but study measures showed that the group improved significantly in almost every dimension tested. Study participants reported a 13% improvement in social function, a 52% improvement in depression, and a 35% improvement in physical functioning. Additionally, EnhanceFitness participants' healthcare costs were 21% less than those of non-participants' costs after one year. The EnhanceFitness Program is now offered in more than 50 sites locally and nationally. Since 1994, more than 7,800 adults have participated in EnhanceFitness.
In a recent study examining the effectiveness of participation in EnhanceFitness, it was shown that in 2,889 participants who participated in outcomes testing, improvements were observed at 4 and 8 months on performance tests, and participants’ self-rating of health improved at 8 months. Two-tailed, paired t tests and McNemar’s chi-square tests were used to compare initial with follow-up measures. |
| Categories |
Health / Older Adults & Aging
Health / Exercise, Nutrition, & Weight
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| Organization(s) |
Senior Services (Seattle, WA) |
| Source |
National Council on Aging |
| Date of Publication |
2006 |
| Date of Implementation |
1994 |
| Location |
City: Seattle, WA |
| Primary Contact |
Susan Snyder, Vice President
Project Enhance
Senior Services
2208 Second Avenue, Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727-6297
SusanS@seniorservices.org
http://www.projectenhance.org
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| For more details |
http://jag.sagepub.com/content/25/4/291.refs.html
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| Target Audience |
Elderly |
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