Project Healthy Bones
An Effective Practice
This practice has been Archived and is no longer maintained.
Description
Project Healthy Bones is an exercise and education program for individuals at risk for osteoporosis. The exercise component uses strength training in small groups to improve strength, balance, and flexibility. The osteoporosis educational programming emphasizes the importance of exercise, nutrition, calcium supplementation, safety, fall prevention, and drug therapy. Project Healthy Bones trains older adults to serve as peer advocate trainers. Peer trainers better understand the beliefs and limitations of participants, and serve as a positive role model.
Goal / Mission
The goal of Project Healthy Bones is to educate older individuals about osteoporosis and improve strength, balance, and flexibility through strength training exercises.
Results / Accomplishments
Project Healthy Bones reaches nearly 1,500 individuals each year. More than 90% of participants increased the amount of weight used during strength training exercises. One county-wide survey found that 97% were more confident in their balance and strength and 55% recognized the importance of daily exercise and were motivated to exercise outside of the program. Nearly all participants could identify prevention strategies and risk factors for osteoporosis, and 89% reported discussing osteoporosis with their physician. Half of participants made dietary changes in response to increased knowledge about calcium intake, and 65% altered their home environment to avoid falls.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
State of New Jersey Aging and Community Services, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Primary Contact
No current contact information available
Topics
Health / Older Adults
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Physical Activity
Organization(s)
State of New Jersey Aging and Community Services, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Source
Mayors Wellness Campaign
Date of publication
2001
Date of implementation
1997
Location
New Jersey
Target Audience
Women, Older Adults