Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program & "10 Keys" to Healthy Aging--Prevention Research Center

Older adults are at high risk for loss of independence because of age-related chronic health
conditions. Of these chronic conditions, arthritis accounts for the largest proportion of
the disability in the community. The investigators propose to target older adults who have
self-reported arthritis or joint pain for dissemination of a disability prevention program.
The program will be a collaborative effort of the Arthritis Foundation, the investigators
Prevention Research Center staff and other key partners in the community. The project will
develop information needed to provide guidance for implementation of the investigators
intervention by other agencies and organizations. As a major thrust of the investigators CDC
Prevention Research Center, the investigators have developed a comprehensive program focused
on preventing disease and disability in older adults: the "10 Keys to Healthy Aging". Each
of the 10 Keys disseminates proven approaches and current recommendations for prevention in
older adults, focusing on age 65+ but also addressing age 50-65 years. The overall objective
is to determine if an integrated evidence based exercise intervention (AFEP) combined with
health education on preventive practices for older adults ("10 Keys") is more effective for
improving mobility and risk factors for mobility disability and use of preventive services
compared to exercise alone (AFEP). The investigators will also propose to evaluate the
impact of geographic location on outcomes and overall sustainability of the program.