What was the Seniors Program?
Brad C. Anderson
The Seniors Program was a collaborative study aimed at determining whether physical activity prevented frailty in the elderly. Physicians assessed patients using a frailty scale. Doctors identified patients who were healthy but at risk for frailty and recruited them to the program.
Participation in the program required patients to connect with community coaches. These coaches met with these older adults, discussed lifestyle goals and their current health status. Coaches then developed a physical activity plan for each senior.
Initially, coaches would check in with their clients weekly to monitor progress and adjust their plan as needed. After several weeks, these check-ins were reduced from weekly to monthly.
After six months, the physician would recheck the patient’s frailty. Results demonstrated that patients’ frailty scores improved from their participation in the program.