Grant: Randomized Controlled Trials: Mentoring

The 2006 Canadian Census reported that 1 in 7 Canadians is over the age of 65-a record. In January 2011, the first of the Baby Boomers (born between 1946 -1965) turned 65 years old. This generation, approximately 1/3rd of the population in 2006, will significantly contribute to the expected doubling of seniors over the next 25 years. The Oxford dictionary defines mobile as "movable; not fixed; free or able to move or flow easily". Poor mobility is a common consequence of aging. It is estimated that among men and women aged 65 years and older, 20% will go on to have poor mobility over the following 4 years. Mobility has been linked to the idea of "successful ageing". The built environment or "urban form" is broadly defined as all buildings, spaces, and products that are created or changed by people. The relationship between the built environment and health is a relatively new area. However, a few studies have shown that there is a positive relationship between the built environment and health (i.e. "better" built environment, "better" health). Physical activity is an attractive way to increase the number of people who are ageing successfully, by improving their mobility. It can be relatively inexpensive, for example walking, and it is thought to improve not only mobility but also the health of the heart, muscles, brain and, improve quality of life. But, it is very hard to convince people who are not used to being physically active, for example vulnerable seniors, to do so. In fact, according to a 2011 report from Census Canada, almost 80% of Canadian seniors do not meet physical activity guidelines. Many studies to date have used complicated physical activity programs that may not translate well to the "real world" setting. The purpose of this Mentoring Program is to develop a simple and sustainable physical activity intervention, while considering the role of the built environment, that will increase the number of people who are "ageing successfully".