Researchers in CSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies are seeking middle-aged to older adults (age 50 and up) to participate in an eight-week exercise and education program that teaches new ways to facilitate healthy aging.

Sufficient evidence proves physical activity is one of the best methods to promote healthy aging, and the newly developed AgingPLUS program aims to provide participants with helpful insight into how they can use exercise in their own aging process.

What is involved?

The program combines exercise with education and takes two hours per week for a total of eight weeks.

During the first half of the program (weeks 1-4), participants will attend four exercise session and group meetings. In each meeting, individuals will learn more about the aging process, work with a fitness coach to personalize workout routines, develop personal fitness goals, and learn how to realistically achieve those goals.

In the second part of the program (weeks 5-8), individuals will keep a daily activity log, complete brief phone calls with coordinators, wear a pedometer for 14 days, and continue working toward their personal activity goal. Participants are also asked to complete a brief mail-in questionnaire about the program.

Sessions will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., and participants can start in either September (Tuesday, Sept. 26, or Friday, Sept. 29) or October (Tuesday Oct. 24, or Friday, Oct. 27).

Participant eligibility

You may be eligible for participation if you are above age 50, do not currently exercise on a regular basis, are healthy enough to start an exercise program and are willing to attend all four sessions and complete all tasks.

Individuals who participate and complete all aspects of the study will have all fees paid for and will be entered into a lottery for a $20 gift certificate.

The study director is Professor Manfred Diehl of CSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, contact adaptresearch@colostate.edu or (970) 491-5001.

This program has been approved by CSU’s Institutional Review Board, Protocol #: 13-4679H. The Adult Development and Aging Project (ADAPT) at CSU is devoted to the study of healthy and successful aging. Located in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, ADAPT focuses on ways to promote healthy and optimal development in early, middle and later adulthood. The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is based in CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.