National Blueprint report: strategies for integrating physical activity into wellness programming for older adults

“We envision a society in which all people age 50 and older enjoy health and quality of life, which is enhanced through regular physical activity,” notes the vision statement of the National Blueprint Initiative, a leading alliance that promotes physically active lifestyles for older Americans. Further, the Blueprint “will inspire an approach to aging that encourages physical activity in all aspects of people’s lives.” The initiative’s progress since this statement was written is a testament to its purpose and the enduring efforts of its partner organizations, as well as those who support active aging. At a recent meeting in Orlando, Florida, Blueprint partners discussed future strategies to advance the initiative and, for the first time, also considered opportunities for providing programming that addresses multiple dimensions of wellness. This development highlights how things have changed in health promotion for older adults in the eight years since the National Blueprint began. It also points to how the initiative is evolving in response.