HYSICAL inactivity in older adults is a major public health concern. Although increasing physical activity (PA) is a national health priority (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2000), promoting activity in older adults has only recently been emphasized, as in the National Blueprint for Increasing Physical Activity in Adults Age 50 and Older (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2001). As a result, the evidence for public health efforts to promote PA for older adults is modest and needs strengthening. In order to inform public health practice, this article presents a position paper of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy Aging Research Network on the status of research in PA and aging. The mission of the Healthy Aging Research Network is to better understand the determinants of healthy aging, identify interventions that promote healthy aging, and assist in the translation of such research into sustainable community-based programs.The purpose of this article is to set a research agenda. To do this, we will (a) specify key issues in public health, PA, and aging, (b) identify knowledge needed to make informed public health recommendations and develop PA interventions in older adults, and (c) recommend research priorities to address those gaps. We have organized this article around four questions designed to serve as a framework for a public health agenda in PA and aging:

The What's Working project described the initial impact of the United States' federally mandated Local Wellness Policy in rural, low-income elementary schools located in Colorado. Before and after the Local Wellness Policy mandate went into effect, a survey about school features related to nutrition and physical activity was sent to a random sample of 45 rural elementary schools (i.e., schools located outside of urban areas), in which at least 40% of students qualified for free or reduced-cost lunch. Overall, opportunities for physical activity did not change after the policy went into effect: although time in physical education increased by 14 min per week (P=0.10), time for recess decreased by roughly 19 min per week (P=0.10). Policies supporting student participation in physical education and recess (an unstructured time during school hours when students are allowed to play outside) did not change. The researchers coded Local Wellness Policies and found them to have weak wording that produced minimal impact. Content analysis of key informant interviews suggested several barriers to the impact of the Local Wellness Policies: (1) competing pressures facing school districts, (2) lack of resources devoted to the Local Wellness Policy, (3) principals' lack of knowledge about the policy, and (4) lack of accountability mechanisms to ensure policy implementation. Financial resources and more effective communication about Local Wellness Policies among school districts and principals are needed to elevate the importance of and increase opportunities for physical activity in rural, low-income Colorado elementary schools.

The AIM process led to environment and policy changes known to increase healthy eating and physical activity.

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