Improving the health of adults over 50, through physical activity
First Step To Active Health  
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The increase in the aging population has led to a public health issue of inactivity. In response, the National Blueprint Increasing Physical Activity Among Adults Age 50 and Older was developed by a coalition of national organizations.

As a result of the Blueprint, the Active Aging Toolkit was developed by researchers, healthcare providers, professional organizations, and private industry to help healthcare providers prescribe physical activity programs for their patients. ( Download Executive Summary PDF here.)

The First Step to Active Health® provides an evidence-based, progressive activity program. The goal of the program is to improve health and functional ability, to promote independence, and to help prevent chronic disease and disability in adults over age 50. The program includes a step-by-step approach to improve your physical abilities with a variety of simple activities, including cardio/aerobic, flexibility, strength, and balance activities. The First Step is an example of a "Best Practice" for older adult physical activity programs as described by the American College of Sports Medicine.

This website provides information for both patients and healthcare providers to get started.

If you are a patient, learn how to begin your own First Step program.

If you are a healthcare provider, learn how to prescribe physical activity programs for your patients. Or, view the Provider Manual (225KB PDF).



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