Worksite-based physical activity programs and older adults: Current statusand priorities for the future

Most adults in the U.S. are employed and spend many hours at work. Worksite -based physical activity programs have achieved modest success but are limi ted because they have not kept pace with changing work environments and wor kforce characteristics, or have problems with design, measurement, and anal ysis issues. This paper briefly identifies current gaps in knowledge and pr actice with worksite-based physical activity, including a lack of focus on the needs of older workers. Recommendations are offered for increasing work site-based physical activity: creating partnerships with workers, managemen t, labor, and managed care representatives to address physical activity nee ds; embedding physical activity programs within comprehensive health progra ms and employer-sponsored benefits packages; creating opportunities for sma ll businesses; linking to larger efforts to support physical activity at th e company/community level; and increasing collaborations and the political will required to conduct well-designed research to identify successful inte rvention strategies.