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Remote Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults: A Guide to Planning and Implementation

Remote Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults: A Guide to Planning and Implementation

Like many other community-based organizations, park and recreation agencies adapted in order to serve their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic caused a large percentage of park and recreation facilities to close or operate on a limited capacity basis, which lead to a “hold” on in-person programming. To ensure that communities had access to needed physical activity and chronic disease management programs, NRPA explored the benefits of the remote (i.e., online) delivery of AAEBIs with a cohort of 9 local park and recreation agencies. The remote delivery pilot project proved to be effective at continuing to expand the implementation of AAEBIs offered through local parks and recreation, while also helping to bridge gaps in social connectedness among adults who would otherwise experience social isolation during the pandemic. Findings from this project informed the development of Remote Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults: A Guide to Planning and Implementation.