Develop evidence-based guidelines on the types and amounts of physical activity needed to enhance health and functional outcomes in the 50+ population with a special emphasis on chronic illness and disabilities.

Develop a steering committee of Blueprint partner organizations to refine strategy, commit resources, and assign tasks.
Develop an action plan to specify approaches needed to identify appropriate type and amount of activity for subgroups within the 50+ population for specific health and functional benefits.
Access and synthesize reports on currently available knowledge.
Convene separate groups of experts on areas of physical activity to evaluate the use and effectiveness of different programs.
Identify the research gaps and plan a strategic research agenda to fill those gaps.

American Geriatrics Society (Lead Organization)

AARP, American Physical Therapy Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Human Kinetics, International Council on Active Aging, National Center for Physical Activity and Disability, National Institutes of Health, and other organizations.

Organizations would provide content specialists, support the commissioned papers and meetings, and fund research initiatives. Long-term tactics might include developing a toolkit that helps researchers and practitioners to select, administer, and interpret physical activity recommendations and integrate information into a national clearinghouse.

Expertise to define current knowledge and establish criteria for evaluation.
Secure funding.
Access to marketing and publication outlets for reports and toolkits.
Access to a clearinghouse.

Need buy-in from researchers and multiple groups (e.g., clinicians, community practitioners).
Evaluation of progress toward goals is required.
Research results must be easily understood by lay audiences.

A coalition of national organizations has developed an overview of best practices, guidelines, and recommendations regarding physical activity for older adults. The publication will be released in 2004.

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