Community Park-Based Programs for Health Promotion: Active Older Adults Prospective Cohort Study

The Active Older Adults prospective cohort study examines the effects of a park-based fitness program on cardiovascular fitness outcomes for older adults (aged 50 years and older). Active Older Adults is designed to provide older adults of all fitness levels with physical activity, and aims to promote participant's abilities to maintain independent lifestyles. It is a low-cost, evidence-based group exercise and falls-prevention program. The program entails one-hour sessions two or three times per week including aerobic workout, strength training, balance and flexibility exercise delivered online or in-person. Data are collected at eight Miami Dade Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces (MDPROS) park locations where the program is offered every four months (fall, winter, spring). Active Older Adults is a park-based fitness program offered by the Miami Dade Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces (MDPROS) that is designed to provide older adults of all fitness levels with physical activity, and aims to promote participant's abilities to maintain independent lifestyles. It is a low-cost, evidence-based group exercise and falls-prevention program. The program entails one-hour sessions two or three times per week including aerobic workout, strength training, balance and flexibility exercise delivered online or in-person. Exercise classes at each park location are offered by bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed instructors and program classes had a consistent format across all parks.