Blueprint Partners Progress Newsletter: August 2004

In This Issue:

International Curriculum Guidelines for Preparing Physical Activity Instructors of Older Adults
Physical Inactivity Cost Calculator
NIH, CDC Bilingual Diabetes Prevention Campaign
Blueprint Partners Quoted in USA Today Story
SGMA International’s Analysis of the Most Popular Activities for Seniors
Mini-Grant Update: Harford County Office on Aging
Upcoming Events for September and October

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International Curriculum Guidelines for Preparing Physical Activity Instructors of Older Adults
The new consensus document, published by Human Kinetics, outlines each of the major content areas that experts recommend should be included in any entry-level training program with the goal of preparing physical activity instructors to work with older adults. This document was identified as a high-priority strategy for the advancement of the National Blueprint, with leadership provided by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Physical Inactivity Cost Calculator
Active Living Leadership, Fifty-Plus Fitness Association, and other Blueprint-related organizations have launched an on-line calculator that determines the financial costs of physical inactivity for businesses and communities. The calculator uses a formula based on the cost of medical care, workers’ compensation, and lost productivity data. This tool can be used to educate businesses, policy-makers, and government leaders about the high costs of physical inactivity.

NIH, CDC Bilingual Diabetes Prevention Campaign
The National Diabetes Education Program, a joint effort of NIH and CDC, developed a new bilingual diabetes prevention campaign, “Prevengamos la diabetes tipo 2. Paso a Paso”(Let’s Prevent Type 2 Diabetes: Step by Step). The campaign advocates exercising 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. The campaign offers a free music CD to help Hispanics get more physical activity.
www.ndep.nih.gov

Blueprint Partners Quoted in USA Today Story
“Exercise: The Real Fountain of Youth” quotes partners from ICAA and Fifty-Plus Fitness Association.
www.usatoday.com

SGMA International’s Analysis of the Most Popular Activities for Seniors
Fitness walking, stretching, and treadmill exercise topped the list of the most popular sports for U.S. seniors based on frequent participation.

Blueprint Mini-Grant Update: Harford County Office on Aging Harford Active Life Program accomplishments for 2003 included:

  • Special activities for 2003 included a Senior Picnic—June 16, 2003 and the Swanfest – Oct. 18, 2003. Both events attracted more than 3,000 attendees. 2004 activities included an Open House – Jan. 14, 2004; Rebuilding Together – April 24, 2004; Senior Olympics – May 1-8, 2004; and Senior Picnic and Awards – June 16, 2004.
  • 247 seniors participated in the Harford Active Life program from April 2003-Jan. 2004. Participants earned t-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts for activities at four senior centers, the Parks & Recreation office, and eight local health clubs.
  • A Senior Fitness cable-produced television show was initiated and a personal trainer was hired as a consultant for expertise and on-camera talent. A 12-month program has been planned to focus on local facilities, group classes, fitness tips, and senior interviews.
  • The Parks & Recreations fall guide of physical activities was sent to 70,000 households in the county.
  • Six Harford Active Life participants attended the Maryland Senior Olympics activities as part of Seniors in Motion, a state program that encourages walking.

Upcoming Events for September and October
Active Aging Week
International Council on Active Aging and Jazzercise
Sept. 27 – Oct. 3, 2004; Nationwide

NCGNP 2nd Annual Convention
National Conference of Gerontological Nurse Practitioners
Sept. 29 – Oct. 3, 2004; Phoenix, AZ

2004 NRPA Congress & Expo
National Recreation and Park Association
Oct. 12 – Oct. 16, 2004; Reno, NV

AAFP Scientific Assembly 2004
American Academy of Family Physicians
Oct. 13 – Oct. 17, 2004; Orlando, FL

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The Blueprint Partners Project is an initiative of the Active Aging Partnership. For more information, contact the National Blueprint Office at the University of Illinois Department of Kinesiology.
Website: www.agingblueprint.org