Grant: Project Grant

Regular physical activity is associated with a diverse range of physical and mental health outcomes, with the effects being particularly pronounced among older adults. Despite these health benefits, involvement in physical activity has been found to decline over the course of adulthood with older adults at particular risk of inactivity. The results of our recent CIHR-funded efficacy trial led by the PI (Beauchamp) provided evidence for the short-term effects of a group-based physical activity program for older adults in supporting their involvement over six months in that program. Building on the results of that efficacy trial, the overall purpose of this study is to evaluate both the effectiveness and implementation of a scaled-up group-based social connectedness intervention in relation to supporting long term (24 months) physical activity behaviour among older adults, across every YMCA member association in British Columbia. In this study we will also look to examine the extent to which involvement in this program results in improved cognition as well as biological health among older adults.