Evaluation of an adapted physical activity program for older adults.

Summary This note presents the results of an evaluation of a physical activity program adapted to an elderly public. The program proposes several physical activities dedicated to residents in retirement homes around the prevention of falls and light gymnastics. The program was evaluated using a randomized trial protocol in about thirty retirement homes in Europe. The results show a net reduction in the prevalence of falls and a significant improvement in subjective measures of health. A cost-benefit analysis suggests that the generalization of such physical activity programs could be very positive thanks to the reduction of costs generated by falls of elderly people in residence. In addition, the benefits to the well-being of residents may in itself justify the development of such programs.