The Evaluation of an Exercise Program for Older Rural Adults

Rural older adults have unique characteristics related to physical activity behavior (Solomon, Rees, Ukoumunne, Metcalf, & Hillsdon, 2014) and face obstacles to participating in organized fitness activities, and thus often find healthy active living a challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a walking and chair exercise program for older adults in a rural community that focused on reducing sedentary behaviors and the problems caused by such behaviors. Seventeen older adults (aged 55-89) completed a 9-week, 18-session exercise program at a municipal recreation center. All the intended outcomes of the program were met. This article presents the findings of the evaluation and provides directions for developing, implementing, and evaluating an exercise program for rural older adults.