Develop a coalition to conduct public policy analysis and to identify unified public policy strategies in the area of physical activity and aging.

Conduct a survey to identify key public policy issues and strategies.
Develop a unified consensus statement regarding public policy strategies.
Convene a meeting of policy experts to guide the policy research agenda.
Make existing research appropriate for older adults and identify gaps in research knowledge.
Provide tools to conduct a policy analysis.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Administration on Aging (Lead Organizations)

AARP, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, and other organizations.

Funding
Leadership
Data

Leadership.
Establish physical activity as a priority in the policy arena.
Identify existing research.
Fund future policy-relevant research.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation convened a Public Policy Roundtable in early 2003 to develop a public policy and legislative guide to assist Blueprint organizations in their interactions with government and legislative groups. The participants were from AARP, Active for Life National Program Office, American College of Sports Medicine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity, National Council on the Aging, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and SGMA International. The roundtable identified five legislative issues that require policy changes through government legislative action to positively impact physical activity levels. Additionally, three non-legislative issues were selected that encourage health organizations to make policy changes to assist midlife and older adults in making decisions for a healthier lifestyle.

Return to Strategic Priorities for Increasing Physical Activity