A COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY OF OLDER ADULT EXERCISE PROGRAMS IN 2 CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES

The purpose of this study was to survey and evaulate existing senior exercise programs (n = 14) and exercise leaders (n = 13) in two California communities. Eleven of the 13 instructors held some type of college degree, but only 54% of the degrees were in a fitness-related field. None of the instructors held a certification related to senior fitness. Only 54% of the programs required prior physician approval, and 38% of the programs did not require medical histories. Less than half of the exercise programs (46%) included a cardiovascular component. Three of the 14 programs offered strength training. Almost all of the programs (93%) included flexibility training. Forty percent of the programs were performed on floor surfaces that were considered potentially dangerous, and 54% of the facilities had inadequate lighting. The data indicate that few instructors of exercise programs for older adults have specialized training in senior fitness and that the lack of education may be the main reason for the exercise program deficiencies.