Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Older adults often have chronic health conditions that make it difficult to keep their balance and walk in their environment. Community exercise programs designed for older adults with movement and balance limitations can be helpful, however they often have low registration because referral pathways have not been developed. This study aims to increase our understanding of how to establish referral pathways to community exercise programs, designed for older adults with movement limitations, in both small and large communities. A survey will be distributed to program providers to identify who is referring older adults, and interviews will be performed with referral sources, program providers, and participants to understand their perspectives. This project will outline a plan for developing referral pathways so more older adults with movement and balance limitations can be connected to appropriate programs. If carried out, this could help prevent older adults from becoming frail and allow them to maintain their independence.